Mister Beacon

This week on Mr. Beacon, Mark Jacobstein—Co-Founder of Near Horizon and former colleague of Sam Altman—joins us to unpack the evolving venture landscape. We discuss AI’s impact, fundraising challenges, and how his venture builder model helps startups go from idea to execution. Mark shares personal lessons from Silicon Valley, career advice for the next generation, and why staying curious is key. A sharp, insightful conversation for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone navigating tech’s rapid shifts.Mark’s Top 3 Favorite Songs:“Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z_41J-uKPI “The Wheels On The Bus”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_04ZrNroTo“Thunder Road” by Bruce Springsteen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2X0Gf9jfz8Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbAI, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Donna Lanzetta—CEO of Manna Fish Farms and Manna Seafood Blockchain—shares her journey from attorney to aquaculture pioneer. Discover how she’s building offshore fish farms, fighting seafood fraud with blockchain, and creating a transparent, sustainable supply chain. From ocean to plate, Donna’s tech-driven, vertically integrated approach empowers consumers and supports ethical sourcing. Tune in to explore the future of seafood, digital traceability, and how small businesses can drive big change.Donna’s Top 3 Favorite Songs:“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttEMYvpoR-k“Hold Your Head Up” by Argent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvfxI9yD2dM“Tapestry” by Carole King: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FiR2Eb4NSMMister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbAI, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy. Hosted on

In this exclusive episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Thomas Knothe, Chair of JTC 24, shares insights into the new Digital Product Passport (DPP) standards. As one of the few cleared to speak publicly, Thomas reveals how DPPs will transform global commerce, ensure sustainability, and drive regulatory compliance. Don’t miss this rare conversation that explores the future of digital-physical convergence—and the major opportunities it creates.Thomas’ Favorite Songs:“That’s So True” by Gracie Abrams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqiDw1WrbFo “Like a Prayer” by Madonna: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaHQYTm14Kc See Thomas’ presentation on Digital Product Passports standards HERE Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbAI, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Mr. Beacon Podcast, Kevin Dewald, founder of SimpleBLE and former Neuralink engineer, joins to discuss simplifying Bluetooth development, building cross-platform solutions, and what it’s like working at Neuralink. He shares insights on Elon Musk’s high-performance teams and how Bluetooth can even work inside the human body. A must-listen for developers, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts!

This week on The Mr. Beacon Podcast, we explore the future of wireless power with Giampaolo Marino, SVP of Strategy & Business Development at Energous. We discuss how Energous is revolutionizing ambient IoT with its PowerBridge Pro, enabling battery-free sensors for retail, logistics, and manufacturing. Giampaolo shares insights on IoT adoption, infrastructure simplification, and the launch of the Ambient IoT Alliance. Plus, we dive into his Italian roots and favorite music.

This week, Fabio Belloni, CEO of Quuppa, returns to discuss the latest in real-time location systems (RTLS). We explore Quuppa’s cutting-edge Bluetooth angle-of-arrival technology, its impact on logistics, sports, and healthcare, and exciting new use cases like tracking kids in trampoline parks and dogs in pet hotels. Fabio also shares insights on RTLS market trends, hybrid positioning technologies, and Quuppa’s future.

Kick off 2025 with Kristen Hovland, CEO of Keep-it Technologies and leader of the Smart Food Tech Coalition, as we explore how smart packaging and IoT are revolutionizing food freshness, safety, and sustainability. Learn about dynamic freshness indicators that reduce food waste and empower consumers, alongside efforts to modernize regulations and educate the public. A must-listen for future-focused foodies!Kristen’s Top 3 Songs with Meaning:“Stuck With You” by Huey Lewis and The News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1SFWU5tXAE“All Right” by Christopher Cross: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx8Yyz3UUng“Sweet Freedom” by Michael McDonald: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvXFGUWBMHY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Wiggs Civitillo, CEO and Co-Founder of Starfish, shares how his company is revolutionizing supply chain traceability. Starfish simplifies data sharing for compliance with FSMA 204, enhancing food safety, reducing waste, and building consumer trust. Learn how traceability unlocks value through insights, sustainability tracking, and ambient IoT innovations. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of transparent, efficient supply chains. Wiggs’ Top 3 Songs with Meaning:“Give It Up” by KC & The Sunshine Band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AkxUirASIQ“Days Like This” by Van Morrison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paauQuPhKaA“It’s A Great Day To Be Alive” by Ben Rector: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MotpRvZbvQk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Mr. Beacon Podcast, Sanjay Sharma, CEO of Roambee, helps us to further explore the future of IoT enabled supply chain visibility. Discover how Roambee’s real-time sensing solutions impact global trade, reducing disputes, optimizing logistics, and enabling autonomous supply chains. Sanjay shares insights on tackling modern supply chain complexities, leveraging printed battery powered GPS technologies, and achieving measurable ROI. A must-listen for supply chain professionals, this episode offers fresh perspectives on transparency, innovation, and creating smarter, more efficient operations. Sanjay’s Top 3 Songs with Meaning:“Hall Of Fame” by The Script (ft. will.i.am): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8xgecy_ivw“Eye Of The Tiger” by Survivor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qDML_BCju8“Unstoppable” by Sia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJvDnYdD8JQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon podcast, we dive into the future of IoT with Dhiraj Sogani, Sr. Director of Wireless Product Marketing at Silicon Labs. Dhiraj shares insights on ambient IoT, energy harvesting technologies, and the innovative ways Silicon Labs is shaping low-power, sustainable IoT solutions. From Bluetooth advancements to machine learning at the edge, explore the cutting-edge trends driving the IoT ecosystem.Dhiraj’s Top 3 Songs with Meaning:“Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSvlIBhpFM8“Another Day In Paradise” by Phil Collins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaFlJQGtBeM“My Favorite Things” from The Sound Of Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7uISBk0tcw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon podcast, we zoom out to the big picture of global supply chains with Peter S. Goodman, Global Economics Correspondent for The New York Times. Goodman explores how cost-cutting, deregulation, and "just-in-time" practices strained supply chains, leading to shortages during COVID-19. Through insights from his new book, How the World Ran Out of Everything, Goodman shares powerful stories on resilience, corporate interests, and the need for a sustainable global economy.Peter’s Songs with Meaning:“Jesus is Waiting” by Al Green: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmI8-A27agU“By The Time I Get To Phoenix” by Isaac Hayes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bbdJSW3pvM“Come Together” by The Beatles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45cYwDMibGo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Nitin Kamboj, Head of Strategy for Digital Supply Chain at Royal Mail, discusses how ambient IoT is transforming Royal Mail’s logistics. Learn how the 500-year-old institution uses IoT to track assets, boost efficiency, and reduce costs with over 800,000 IoT tags. Kamboj also shares insights on scaling this technology, future applications, and its role in Royal Mail’s sustainability efforts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon podcast, Damon Barnes from Bluetooth SIG discusses the groundbreaking features of Bluetooth Core Specification version 6.0, including channel sounding, which offers precise range finding with centimeter-level accuracy. Learn how this innovation, along with other Bluetooth Core Specification version 6.0 updates, is set to transform industries like automotive and IoT, enabling accurate, cost-effective distance measurement. A must-listen for tech enthusiasts and anyone curious about the future of Bluetooth and wireless communication.Damon’s Favorite Songs:“Exile” by Taylor Swift (feat. Bon Iver): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osdoLjUNFnA“Bleeding Out” by Imagine Dragons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFKHScAStsU“Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JR10AThY8M Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Matan Epstein from Wiliot discusses the real-world impact of ambient IoT, from tracking COVID-19 vaccine temperatures to optimizing supply chains. With over 50 pilot projects, Matan shares insights on deploying battery-free Bluetooth tags, providing continuous visibility into goods movement, and improving operational efficiency. He also reflects on his career, problem-solving approach, and love for music. Tune in for an expert’s perspective on how ambient IoT is transforming industries.Matan’s Favorite Songs:“Lovely Day” by Bill Withers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfcTgnpo3vI“Sweet Water” by Meir Ariel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeHj6qfsVmM“I’m Coming Home” by Skylar Grey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k84QxVJd0tI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Mr. Beacon podcast, Simon Ford, founder of Blecon and IoT expert, discusses how Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is revolutionizing industries like healthcare, logistics, and asset tracking. With over 17 years at ARM, Simon shares insights on building scalable IoT solutions and Blecon’s role in transforming BLE for business applications. Tune in to explore the future of IoT connectivity, real-time asset tracking, and the challenges of integrating BLE into modern infrastructure.Simon’s Favorite Songs:“All I Need” by Jacob Collier: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue6g7SPSyAM“Many of Horror” by Biffy Clyro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oyl_ICA853s“Mass Destruction” by Faithless: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wft2olm_VU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Pete Bernard, CEO of TinyML.org, explores the groundbreaking world of TinyML—AI running on edge devices like wearables and sensors. We discuss how TinyML is revolutionizing industries by enabling AI in resource-constrained environments, covering real-world applications from agriculture to IoT. Tune in to discover how TinyML is set to redefine the future of AI and edge computing.Pete’s Favorite Songs:“Samba Pa Ti” by Santana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=timZoOs9ozo“Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” by The Rolling Stones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fa4HUiFJ6c“Sitting On The Bottom of the World” by The Weary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43uPaOTOsFw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Mr. Beacon Podcast episode, Wyatt Meek, CCO of AiRISTA, discusses the company's innovations in real-time location systems (RTLS) and IoT. He explains AiRISTA's multi-technology approach using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID, and GPS, and their recognition in Gartner's Magic Quadrant. Wyatt shares industry use cases in manufacturing and healthcare, highlights a consultative sales approach, and discusses his career journey. The episode concludes with his vision for the future of RTLS and IoT.Wyatt’s Favorite Songs:“Fight for Your Right” by the Beastie Boys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClLCqZin9HY“Hail Purdue” by Purdue University: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKDU1Ta3nOQ“The Luckiest” by Ben Folds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9bRmuP-kQY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore healthcare innovation with Navenio's COO and VP of Engineering, Bill Kloes and Sven Albrecht, on The Mr. Beacon Podcast. Learn how their infrastructure-free solutions, developed from Oxford University research, revolutionize indoor location tracking for patients, staff, and assets. Discover applications in the US and UK, business challenges addressed, and the advantages of mobile device strategies. Tune in for insights on the future of healthcare technology, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing patient care.Sven’s Favorite Songs:“Instant Crush” by Daft Punk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hA9vyUeKRs“That’s Mathematics!” by Tom Lehrer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGB9CnF4qwQ“Pigs (Three Different Ones)” by Pink Floyd: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOqblSqx_VIBill’s Favorite Songs:“Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puJt66y0TBw“I’ll Stand by You” by The Pretenders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuWAGT9ZkYE“You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban: https:

This week on the Mr. Beacon podcast, we delve into Digital Product Passports (DPPs) and their vast opportunities in the IoT. Join expert Lauren Roman and myself as we explore the EU's new DPP legislation and its impact on various industries, including automotive, apparel, and electronics. Lauren, Chair of the NAATBatt Track and Trace Committee and Vice Chair of the Society of Automotive Engineers Battery Global Traceability Standards Committee, shares insights on DPPs, product transparency, and battery traceability. Don't miss this fascinating discussion on the future of sustainability and global supply chains.Lauren’s Favorite Songs:“More than Words” by Extreme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R-FGchhwLw“Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b96d6-dMi7A“Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2595abcvh2M Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 200 of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, I speak with SATO Healthcare's VP, Kevin Allart, covering their journey from bamboo packaging to healthcare tech leader. Learn about their IoT solutions transforming healthcare, collaboration with Wiliot for IoT Pixel tags, and navigating MDR compliance. Plus, delve into Kevin Allart's personal journey from France to Japan.Kevin’s Favorite Songs:Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7dTBoW5H9k Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ-UFKxDq5oShe by Charles Aznavour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sOb1lRnMRA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.