Igniting Innovations: Engaging with Fuel's 2023 AI/ML Cohort - Part 2

Summary

In this special two-part series on The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell continues an engaging discussion featuring members of Fuel’s 2023 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Accelerator cohort. They spotlight Fuel's 12-week enterprise-ready accelerator program, which pairs seed- and growth-stage tech startups with key enterprise partners to fast-track the adoption of practical technology solutions. The program emphasizes operational value training over traditional venture capital pitch coaching. This episode highlights innovators from around the globe in the AI and ML sectors, along with their companies from various industries. Conversations include Dexter Caffey from Smart Eye Technology, Andrew Bart of AlgoFace, Mike Romeri at Analytics2Go and Kevin Butler from Edify.ai, who showcase their companies, their experiences through the Fuel Accelerator and their #BecauseBentonville stories, painting a vibrant picture of entrepreneurial growth and community connection.

Show Notes

(1:12) Introduction to Dexter Caffey and Smart Eye Technology

(2:20) Dexter’s surprise connection to Pharaoh Ramesses III

(3:09) About Smart Eye Technology

(6:22) Dexter’s Experience with Fuel and Bentonville

(11:14) Dexter’s #BecauseBentonville Story

(12:55) Introduction to Andrew Bart and AlgoFace

(14:10) About AlgoFace

(16:57) Andrew’s Experience with Fuel and Bentonville

(25:34) Andrew’s #BecauseBentonville Story

(28:14) Introduction to Mike Romeri and Analytics2Go

(31:03) Mike’s Experience with Fuel

(32:32) About Analytics2Go

(34:40) Mike’s Experience with Bentonville

(36:32) Mike’s #BecauseBentonville Story

(38:00) Introduction to Kevin Butler and Edify.ai

(42:36) About Edify.ai

(44:23) Kevin’s Experience with Fuel

(51:27) Kevin’s #BecauseBentonville Story

(54:24) Introduction to Grace Gill

(56:05) The Evolution of Fuel

(57:35) Fuel’s Application Process

(58:39) Closing Thoughts

Links

James Bell

Bentonville Economic Development

Grace Gill

Fuel

Dexter Caffey

Smart Eye Technology

Andrew Bart

AlgoFace

Mike Romeri

Analytics2Go

Kevin Butler

Edify.ai

Quotes

“I had no intentions of moving [to Bentonville] when I first came here...but then I noticed that when you’re here in Bentonville, it’s a relationship town. It’s about building relationships. So I recognized that through the program and told my wife we’re going to be moving to Bentonville.” - Dexter Caffey, (10:19)

“I’m looking to open an office [in Bentonville]. I’d like to have a presence here. That is very much on my immediate radar from both a talent acquisition perspective as well as the exposure to the Walmart epicenter and how unique it is to have that kind of sponsorship to the community.” - Andrew Bart, (21:41)

“I’m sure I’m not the first one to say that the environment [in Bentonville] is a lot more professional, more experienced, and more innovative. It’s just a series of superlatives where you don’t expect someplace in Northwest Arkansas to bring together a group of innovative people from all over the world that can get things done.” - Mike Romeri, (35:39)

“[Bentonville] is the sort of place where if you put yourself out there and ask for some help, people are more than willing to do so. It’s obviously part of the mission and it’s been extremely helpful for our company...and it’s really opening up doors and leading to sales.” - Kevin Butler, (45:40)