The AI and Travel Revolution: From Sofia to Silicon Valley

speaker1

Welcome, everyone, to another exciting episode of our podcast! I'm your host, John Hazlewood, and today we're going to take you on a journey from Austin, Texas, to Sofia, Bulgaria, and beyond. We'll explore how my experiences in the travel and hospitality industries have led me to the world of artificial intelligence and robotics. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

speaker2

Hi, John! I’m really excited to be here. Can you start by telling us a bit about your early days in Austin and how your family business influenced your journey?

speaker1

Absolutely! I grew up in Austin, where my mother ran a couple of restaurants and a travel agency. This early exposure to the hospitality and travel industries was incredibly formative. My siblings and I worked in these businesses from a young age, which gave us a hands-on understanding of customer service and business operations. It was this foundation that later inspired me to start my own travel agency and other businesses.

speaker2

That’s fascinating! How did your travel agency lead you into the world of women's basketball representation?

speaker1

It was quite serendipitous. Back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, there wasn’t a professional women’s basketball league in the U.S., so players had to go abroad to pursue their careers. Through our travel agency, my brother and I had the opportunity to meet the president of a women’s basketball team from Milan, Italy. This connection led us to represent American female basketball players who played in Italy, Spain, France, and Japan. It was an incredible experience to see these athletes compete internationally and build strong professional relationships.

speaker2

Wow, that’s a unique path! Can you share some of the challenges and successes you faced during this time?

speaker1

Certainly! One of the biggest challenges was the logistics of travel and communication. We had to arrange affordable travel options and ensure that our players were well-prepared for their new environments. However, it was also incredibly rewarding. For example, we had players on teams sponsored by major companies like Mitsui Insurance, Toyota, and Mitsubishi. Seeing these athletes succeed and build their careers was truly inspiring.

speaker2

That’s amazing! How did you transition from travel and sports to technology, specifically with the internet booking engine?

speaker1

The transition was driven by the potential I saw in the internet. In 1995, my brother and I, along with a physicist named Linus Vepsdas, launched the first internet booking engine. This was a groundbreaking technology that allowed users to make airline reservations online. We secured funding from Admiral Bobby Inman, a former CIA director and early investor in Dell and Oracle. This support was crucial in building our team and developing the technology further.

speaker2

That’s quite a leap! What were some of the key challenges you faced with the Y2K issue and how did you pivot your business?

speaker1

The Y2K issue was a significant challenge. Initially, it was expected to be a long-term problem, but the demand declined sooner than anticipated. We had to pivot back to travel, focusing on our core strengths. Despite the challenges, we managed to grow our team to over 80 employees in Sofia. However, securing additional investors was difficult, and we eventually sold the company to a German travel technology firm. This allowed us to retain the technology rights and continue innovating.

speaker2

That’s a lot of ups and downs! How did you find the inspiration to enter the sharing economy and develop the meta-search platform?

speaker1

In 2012, I joined a cycling trip from Sofia to London, which spanned 13 countries and over 3,000 kilometers. This journey inspired me to explore the sharing economy. I saw the potential in platforms like Airbnb and Couchsurfing. This led me to develop a meta-search comparison site for these platforms, allowing users to find the best options for their travel needs. It was a natural extension of my earlier work in travel technology.

speaker2

That’s a wild tangent! How did your water-based glamping resort idea come about?

speaker1

During the pandemic, I shifted focus to local opportunities. I used my houseboat on Lake Travis to offer daytime events and overnight stays. This pivot was highly successful, with the property constantly booked. Inspired by this, I began developing a water-based glamping resort concept featuring houseboats and mirrored cabins. The idea was to create a unique and sustainable travel experience.

speaker2

That sounds incredibly innovative! What drew you to the field of artificial intelligence?

speaker1

In 2022, I recognized the transformative potential of AI, similar to the early days of the internet. I dedicated myself to learning about AI, spending 10-12 hours a day studying online courses, listening to podcasts, and attending local meetups. This deep dive into AI opened my eyes to the vast opportunities and challenges in this field.

speaker2

That’s a lot of hard work! What led you to the idea of becoming a virtual Chief AI Officer (CAIPO)?

speaker1

I saw a gap in the market: companies needed guidance on integrating AI into their operations but lacked the expertise. The idea of becoming a CAIPO was to help businesses understand AI tools and improve productivity. I also envisioned incorporating a meta-search platform for large language models, similar to how Kayak compares travel options. This would optimize time and efficiency for users by aggregating the best responses from multiple sources.

speaker2

That’s a brilliant concept! How did you and Linus Vepsdas come up with the idea for Flomad?

speaker1

Linus and I reconnected and started developing a vision for Flomad, which combines AI and travel in innovative ways. One concept involves integrating AI with robotics to create concierge robots for hotels. These robots would act as travel agents, providing guests with personalized recommendations. We also explored agentic workflows, where chains of specialized AI agents streamline travel planning. Flomad aims to offer unparalleled efficiency and customization for travelers.

speaker2

That’s truly revolutionary! What are some of the future plans for Flomad?

speaker1

We’re excited about the potential of Flomad to transform the travel and hospitality industries. We’re exploring how agentic workflows can streamline travel planning and how robotics can enhance the guest experience. We’re also keeping an eye on advancements in China, where the technology is years ahead. Our goal is to be at the forefront of this revolution, merging AI, robotics, and travel into a seamless experience.

speaker2

Thank you, John, for sharing this incredible journey with us. It’s been a pleasure to learn about your experiences and vision for the future. I can’t wait to see what Flomad will achieve!

speaker1

Thank you, everyone, for joining us today. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes as we continue to explore the world of technology and innovation. Until next time, keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible!