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EXCLUSIVE: $3B Founder Reveals His Next Big Idea

My First Million

Mon Jun 17 2024



School Shootings in the U.S. and Detection Technology:

  • Over 200 people were shot, wounded, or killed in K-12 schools in the U.S. last year.
  • The number of school shootings has increased exponentially over the past decade, with a significant rise in incidents involving students bringing handguns to school.
  • Several hundred thousand guns are brought into schools annually, leading to potential violence.
  • NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab developed high-frequency radar technology capable of detecting weapons underneath clothing using non-ionizing radio waves.
  • This technology can provide real-time imaging of concealed weapons without requiring metal components.

Cover: Brett Adcock's Next Big Idea:

  • Brett Adcock is launching Cover, a startup focused on weapon detection technology for various venues beyond schools like stadiums, churches, and hospitals.
  • The company owns intellectual property from NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab and aims to have its first system operational within 30 days.
  • Cover emphasizes safety applications outside of schools due to higher budgets and greater market opportunities compared to K-12 institutions.
  • The goal is to prevent violent incidents by implementing advanced detection systems in public spaces.

Philosophy on Building Businesses and Learning Frameworks:

  • Speed is crucial in product development; iterating quickly allows for faster problem identification and resolution.
  • A company should be structured from the ground up for speed, focusing on progress between iteration cycles as a key metric for success.
  • Effective communication involves simplifying complex topics to their fundamental elements for clear understanding across disciplines.
  • Influenced by successful entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk, who demonstrate that persistence and focus lead to remarkable achievements in business.

Challenges in Developing High-Quality Robotics Products:

  • The speaker emphasizes the difficulty of demonstrating the ability to deliver top-tier products, especially in human robotics, an area historically plagued by commercial failures.
  • It is projected that achieving success in this endeavor will require several more years, presenting a thrilling yet daunting challenge for the company.
  • Despite past setbacks in human robotics, there is optimism drawn from successful experiences in other industries facing similarly formidable tasks.

Positive Energy from Challenging Entrepreneurial Pursuits:

  • Engaging in demanding entrepreneurial ventures serves as a source of energy and drive for individuals pursuing innovation.
  • The speaker finds inspiration and motivation from tackling tough challenges, such as developing cutting-edge robotics products.
  • There is a tangible sense of enthusiasm and determination associated with addressing complex problems within entrepreneurship.

Appreciation for Innovative Thinkers:

  • Both speakers express mutual admiration for each other's innovative mindset and approach towards innovation and challenging endeavors.
  • One speaker acknowledges feeling inspired by the innovative thinking of the other individual and their contributions to their respective fields.
  • Gratitude is expressed for the presence of individuals who push boundaries and advance progress through their work.