SXSW Session Report #22
A Revolution in the Plant-Based Ecosystem: New Business Possibilities for the Future
Summary
This session focused on the plant-based ecosystem. Eric Schlock, Jonathan Strey, and Mohan Kara — co-founders of Metis — have developed a product called "MycoTechnology," a plant-derived protein, and have successfully used it to produce a variety of foods. MycoTechnology leverages natural microorganisms to create proteins with multiple functional properties. As a result, it is environmentally friendly and capable of enhancing the nutritional value of food. The product has excellent taste and performs well as a meat substitute, attracting attention from major corporations.
In developing MycoTechnology, the founders focused on the high nutritional value and health benefits of plant-derived proteins. They also sought environmentally conscious, earth-friendly production methods — ultimately discovering a way to use natural microorganisms, enabling sustainable production.
Their goal is to use plant-derived proteins to contribute to global food production. However, this requires scaling production and significant investment. Currently, they have set very high benchmarks for global positive change and believe a clearly compelling value proposition is necessary. The investors they bring in must share their mission, have a long-term vision for what they're trying to accomplish, and be capable of making big bets.
They aim to produce food sustainably across the world, which requires time, money, and customer support. Getting the first mega-launch off the ground — from zero to one — is clearly going to be the most difficult implementation challenge.
One speaker introduced a startup they launched to make protein from mushrooms. This startup aims to provide a sustainable food production method that offers the same taste and nutritional value as conventional meat products. Speakers also noted a growing number of investors choosing startups that prioritize consideration for the global environment. They also spoke about the importance of startups having a long-term vision, and that investors need to be able to share a startup's mission.
Another speaker introduced a startup offering an electric scooter sharing service to address urban transportation problems. They argued the service could reduce transportation costs and lower environmental impact in urban settings, and described the dedicated technology system the company has built to handle maintenance and charging.
The final speaker introduced a platform they developed, with community assistance, to provide access to small local businesses. The platform is designed to enable small operators to access local markets and boost sales. The speaker explained that such a platform is important because small operators cannot compete with large corporations.
The talk session became a valuable opportunity for speakers to share their experiences and insights while answering questions about the difficulties of launching startups and investors' selection criteria.
Key Points
- Metis is a startup developing plant-based meat alternatives, aiming to provide the same taste and texture as conventional meat.
- Metis aims to minimize environmental impact by using plant-based ingredients to produce meat alternatives, and also aims to reach low-income country markets.
- Metis's founders have experienced the loneliness of entrepreneurship, and speak about how community and support are vital for entrepreneurs. Camaraderie, mutual support, and knowledge sharing among founders play an important role in Metis's success.
SXSW Session Report #61
Merging the Benefits of Video and Text: How to Enhance Your Reading Experience
Summary
The speaker, the CEO of Reddit, spoke about the importance of building community using the Reddit platform. He stated that for a community to thrive, it is necessary to answer questions and provide useful information. He further explained that Reddit's characteristic asynchronous thread-based conversation is extremely important for community development. He also discussed that regardless of whether the format is video or text, it is important to build with one's own community in mind in order to provide a unique reading experience. He emphasized that the key to Reddit's success on its own platform is that users hold power, and that there is a relationship of trust between communities and Reddit. Finally, he pointed out that for live audio, the speed of asynchronous conversation is the key to Reddit's success.
Key Points
- Reddit is a community-led platform where users create content and participate in operations. For this reason, maintaining and improving community quality while cherishing the relationship of trust with users is critical.
- Live audio is considered unsuitable for Reddit because everyone must be present simultaneously and moderation is problematic. By contrast, Reddit's thread-based conversation is asynchronous yet fast, with quick replies to questions — a format well-suited for community.
- Reddit, while being imitated by others, distinguishes itself from competitors through its values and operating methods. Going forward, the aim is to improve the reading experience by providing more immersive video experiences.
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SXSW Session Report #57
Growth and Comfort Cannot Coexist: A Woman Leader's Secrets to Career Success
Summary
This talk session featured a woman leader sharing her experiences and secrets to success. The importance of people remembering what you've done, and the importance of having knowledge and confidence, were mentioned first. Taking risks without hesitation allows for growth. The speaker herself said she worried every time she took on a new job and felt underprepared, but stated firmly that you must always be uncomfortable in order to grow.
The speaker then touched on the topic of women seeking more experience for promotions compared to men, and called for the need to break down biases against women. She also introduced an episode from 45 years ago when she gave a speech and a man said "I wish my daughter could be here," and spoke about the importance of reflecting on the fact that she is here today and how much progress 45 years has brought.
Finally, the speaker once again emphasized the importance of maintaining a sense of tension and growing, and in keeping with her book title "The Power Leading Positive Change in Our Life, Work and World," urged the importance of having the power to bring about positive change.
Key Points
- Growth requires taking risks, which requires a sense of tension.
- Understanding that growth and comfort cannot coexist, and continuing to challenge yourself constantly, is important.
- Even when facing gender discrimination and bias, it is important to keep your convictions and actively drive change.
SXSW Session Report #10
New Possibilities for Career Success Through Public-Private Partnerships
Summary
This talk session introduced Royal Academy, a vocational training school whose mission is to provide 60,000 online employment opportunities to marginalized students and community members. Founder John Shaw emphasized that the school was established to learn skills that would serve as a new talent pipeline for Hollywood, that it is important to provide opportunities for success in learning a vocation, and that you can only learn by actually doing.
Using the example of a braided plan, he also introduced weaving plans in educational settings through intentional and public-private partnerships. Specifically, he emphasized that the Department of Education is raising standards so students can access better opportunities, and that "you can only learn by actually doing" — the biggest lesson he learned himself — meaning it is important to gain practical experience with real-world people.
Ultimately, John Shaw stated that the vocational training school is intended to have a pipeline that works both ways — so that children can achieve, and actually come back and extend a hand — and expressed hope that more people with potential could enter the industry.
Key Points
- John Shaw spoke about the importance of providing vocational training opportunities to marginalized students and sending talent to Hollywood's visual effects industry.
- He demonstrated the importance of 60,000 online job listings in Los Angeles and stressed the role of vocational schools in providing opportunities for students who have acquired the necessary skills, as well as the importance of partnerships with educational institutions.
- He also emphasized the need for sustainable funding and success metrics in vocational education, and the importance of creating scalable, sustainable programs. He noted the need to define success metrics tailored to each community's needs and strengths, and the importance of social contribution through creating opportunities for future generations.
SXSW Session Report #25
The Truth About Psychedelic Experiences That Change Our Consciousness
Summary
This session covered psychedelics. One of the speakers, Eric Andre, spoke about his show. He revealed that he is making a show using psychedelics and explained in detail how it is made. Other panelists also discussed the impact of psychedelics on life and their role in the creative process.
The session discussed how art and creative activities are often produced through the use of psychedelics, and that this can also influence creative people. Eric Andre, for example, spoke about the format of his show. He revealed that he uses dissociative logic, simulating the way logic works when on ketamine, without actually using drugs.
Other panelists spoke about the effect psychedelics had on their creativity. One person, for example, said that their experience with LSD was the impetus for starting to work as an artist. Another said they became a DJ because they were attracted to psychedelic music.
The session also mentioned that activities involving psychedelics do not necessarily produce good results. Sometimes activities using psychedelics can go in a different direction than originally intended.
In response to a question about how psychedelic experiences affect creativity, one speaker admitted they don't enjoy trips but disclosed they enjoy something like being in the middle of a storm. They said they had tried all kinds of substances to test whether they could manage the entire machine. They revealed they had been trying ketamine with their partner late at night while getting good ideas and enjoying sex. However, the speaker emphasized the difference between using drugs and using them effectively. Even when on drugs, if you have no purpose, you're just getting high.
Key Points
- Discussions took place about psychedelic experiences and their influence on artistic and creative processes.
- Ideas were presented about creating and marketing shows based on psychedelic experiences, and discussions took place about responsibility and understanding regarding these.
- Discussion took place about individual attitudes toward and methods of using psychedelic experiences. Psychedelic experiences can be enjoyed in various ways, including drug use, but the risks and appropriate methods of use also need to be considered.
SXSW Session Report #06
Standing Up Against Social Inequality: Supporting Entrepreneurs of Color and Women
Summary
VC investor Alicia Sheames spoke about the barriers to entrepreneurship for Black women. For example, she noted the difficulty of fundraising and investors' insufficient interest in diversity. She has personally faced these issues and actively supports Black women in starting businesses. She is proud that many of the companies she invests in are founded by Black women.
We also discussed how successful companies are often acquired, which can create significant investment opportunities. The importance of investing in communities was also discussed — for example, investing in Uni, a pediatric mental health platform. It was also emphasized that it is important to promote the support and investment necessary for Black women to start businesses.
Finally, Alicia was asked how Black women, who sometimes go unnoticed or are undervalued, can continue to leverage their value. She stated that they can address problems with an unbelievable style and incredible grace.
Key Points
- There are barriers to entrepreneurship for Black women, including difficulty fundraising and investors' lack of interest in diversity.
- It is important for investors to have an interest in diversity and to invest in communities.
- Alicia believes it is important to support entrepreneurs who stand up against social inequality and community investment, and is fulfilling her responsibilities as an investor.
SXSW Session Report #44
The New World That the Metaverse Brings: What Possibilities Does Technological Innovation Create?
Summary
This talk session discussed the possibilities of the metaverse — a virtual world. Virtual spaces utilizing AR technology are expected to become more comfortable than physical spaces, and while there are positive cases such as men who use the metaverse to enrich their marriages, there are also negative cases such as men who verbally abuse their girlfriend's avatar and post it online. There are still many challenges before the metaverse becomes mainstream, and it may arrive in forms different from what we expect. However, there are many possibilities in this new world — for example, it is expected that medical services could be provided even in areas with a shortage of doctors.
Key Points
- There are both positive and negative social aspects to the spread of the metaverse. As AR technology advances and provides a more comfortable environment than reality, people's consciousness is expected to change. On the other hand, inappropriate behavior using AR has been reported, which is problematic.
- Technological advances may lead to the metaverse going mainstream, but its specific form is unknown to anyone. Developers are expected to face many challenges before the metaverse becomes widely adopted.
- The introduction of the metaverse may bring about changes in society. For example, it is expected that in the future it will be easier for people to change their jobs and hobbies, and more people will be able to pursue their own lifestyles.
SXSW Session Report #20
Reigniting Fan Enthusiasm at Live Events: Noteworthy Fan Engagement Methods
Summary
This was a talk session featuring WWE superstars Take, RIA, and Maria. They spoke about the world of professional wrestling in WWE and discussed the physical strength and knowledge required for pro wrestling, as well as the importance of support staff. They also touched on the real lives of WWE superstars — explaining how they get used to traveling and fight every night while carrying those risks. The individual humanity behind each superstar's character was also mentioned, with Take emphasizing that pro wrestling and character are separate from who he is as a person. RIA explained that she promotes WWE drawing inspiration from the dance taker. Finally, each superstar spoke about the passion and loyalty of WWE fans and discussed the evolution from linear TV products to streaming games. Throughout, the WWE superstars emphasized how they provide entertainment through pro wrestling while taking risks, and expressed gratitude for the support staff and loyal fans that make it possible.
Key Points
- WWE superstars are extremely passionate about their work, and extensive preparation is required before matches. In the process, they are able to become their characters.
- The world of sports entertainment is changing rapidly with the internet and evolving to meet viewer demand. This evolution has led to innovation in the viewing experience.
- Each of the speakers draws different inspiration in their careers — drawing in ideas from different fields, such as expertise in dance-taker performance and communication strategy.
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