Surviving the Startup Rapids—Tales of Triumph and Trials

Feb 19

FEBRUARY 19, 2025 | 00:36 | Episode 59

David Urbanic, CEO of Collectible Intelligence

David and Jothy reminisce about their long-standing friendship and their shared experiences in the tech industry, with a particular focus on their time at Borland. The conversation delves into the importance of strong teams and customer relationships in developing quality software. They reflect on their individual career paths, highlighting key moments that shaped their understanding of technology and management. Jay shares his journey through various startups, emphasizing the value of grit and resilience in the face of challenges. The episode culminates with a humorous recounting of their whitewater rafting adventure, illustrating the unpredictability of both nature and entrepreneurial endeavors.

ABOUT MY GUEST

David Urbanic

David Urbanic has been fortunate to ride waves of tech innovation from developer tools and database systems to avatars and AI. He has worked in the trenches and the C-Suite and helped grow 10 startups, 4 of which he co-founded – the latest focused on conversational, symbolic, and transactional AI. Along the way he built the first customer service team at Netflix, launched some of the earliest VR/AR authoring tools, wrote imaging systems licensed to NASA and the Smithsonian, sold software in over 100 countries, and contributed to frameworks for AI ethics, governance, and policy. He is now CEO of Collectible Intelligence, reinventing trading markets with a platform that improves performance, collaboration, and trust by applying advanced imaging, AR, and AI.

Summary

Story

David Urbanic, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and innovator, shares his extensive journey through the world of technology and startups with host Jothy Rosenberg. The conversation begins with Urbanic's deep-rooted experience in various tech sectors, including his pivotal role in launching customer service at Netflix and developing early VR and AR tools. Urbanic's narrative is rich with anecdotes that reflect on the evolution of technology and the lessons learned from his roles across multiple startups, including his current venture, Collectible Intelligence. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, trust, and innovation in creating successful teams, illustrating how a supportive environment can lead to exceptional product development and customer satisfaction.

The discussion takes an engaging turn as Urbanic recounts his unique experiences, such as the challenges he faced while presenting at high-stakes events, including moments of technological failure that tested his resilience. He reflects on the significance of creating a culture of open communication and teamwork, which he believes is essential for any organization to thrive. Urbanic's insights into customer-centric approaches and the need for ethical considerations in tech development highlight the responsibility that innovators carry in shaping the future of the industry. His stories serve as invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of the tech landscape today.

Takeaways

David Urbanic has a rich history in technology, contributing to startups and innovations in AI.
The importance of teamwork and communication is emphasized through personal experiences in startups.
David's journey from tech support at Borland to founding multiple startups showcases adaptability.
Building strong relationships with customers and colleagues is crucial for successful product development.
David's insights on AI highlight its potential to democratize access to technology and data.
Humor and resilience in challenging situations can foster a positive work environment.