#StartupsEverywhere Profile: Isaac Reed, Founder & CEO, Titan
This profile is part of #StartupsEverywhere, an ongoing series highlighting startup leaders in ecosystems across the country. This interview has been edited for length, content, and clarity.
A Wearable Badge Designed to Enhance Daily Life
Titan is committed to empower individuals with its wearable AI-enabled badge to enhance overall well-being. We talked to Founder and CEO Isaac Reed about AI and data privacy, hard tech manufacturing, and how serial entrepreneurs learn from previous ventures.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your background, and what led you to create Titan?
I've been entrenched in the tech world for about 12 to 15 years now, having dabbled in various software ventures. I had my first major successful exit in the mobile gaming space back in 2015, followed by a stint in the wine industry, which also saw some modest success. I'm a serial entrepreneur and am seasoned at building companies from the ground up. Titan came about somewhat unexpectedly after a period of forced downtime due to a debilitating injury. Practically bedridden during that time, I was reading about all these advancements in AI and became determined to leverage technology to enhance people's lives. The frustration of being incapacitated spurred me to create something meaningful, ultimately leading to the inception of Titan, a wearable device to enhance individuals’ ability to navigate their environment.
Could you delve deeper into what Titan does and who your target customers are?
Titan offers an intuitive AI application paired with a wearable badge. The application allows users to personalize data points for enhanced AI-driven insights. Whether it's health monitoring or educational support, Titan provides proactive guidance tailored to individual needs. Our target customers span various sectors, from healthcare and education to defense and beyond. We aim to empower individuals to navigate life's complexities with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Can you share insights into the manufacturing process of the Titan device, and your approach to managing supply chain risks?
I don’t want to paint this picture that it was all rainbows and unicorns but thanks to my prior experiences, the manufacturing process has not been as hard for us as others have encountered. We've made a deliberate choice to conduct all our manufacturing operations in the U.S., prioritizing both quality control and socioeconomic impact. While some may view this as a challenging route, we see it as an opportunity to invest in local communities and create job opportunities. By keeping our manufacturing domestic, we mitigate potential risks associated with overseas production and ensure a level of accountability that aligns with our values.
How does Titan approach data privacy, and how do you navigate the evolving regulatory landscape?
Data privacy is paramount for us at Titan. We've adopted a hybrid model that leverages open-source technologies for certain AI functionalities while customizing that tech for what we need at Titan. That means we don’t need lots of data to create models from scratch, which helps us adhere to stringent privacy measures for user data. Our focus is on providing real-time insights without storing personal information unnecessarily. Once you start storing data, it gets really tricky from a compliance perspective, and it doesn’t hurt our functionality not to store lots of data. Instead, our goal is to do a quick snapshot of your data and give you an assessment, we forget that snapshot, and you can make a yes or no on whether that's something that helps you out or not. I think it's so odd that policymakers kind of have these blinders on to the technology advancements of the last 30 years. I wish they were more adaptable and understanding that the new times reflect the new demand. While we recognize the importance of regulatory compliance, our primary goal is to build trust with our users by prioritizing their privacy and security.
In light of your entrepreneurial journey and past exits, how do you view the role of success in shaping future endeavors like Titan?
Past successes have undoubtedly provided valuable lessons and resources for Titan's journey. However, I believe true entrepreneurship is defined by an unwavering commitment to solving problems and driving positive change. While exits may offer financial rewards, the ultimate satisfaction lies in making a meaningful impact on society. I was able to roll some of the capital from previous exits into helping Titan get off the ground, but there is so much more that you learn each time you start and manage a new business, outside of the financials. As we chart the course for Titan's future, our focus remains on leveraging technology to address pressing challenges and improve people's lives.
How do you envision Titan's future?
Titan's vision extends far beyond financial milestones. While we’d love to go public one day, our primary goal is to revolutionize how individuals interact with technology and make decisions in their daily lives. We're committed to fostering positive societal change by empowering people with intuitive AI-driven solutions. Whether it's optimizing healthcare outcomes or enhancing educational experiences, Titan strives to be a catalyst for progress and transformation on a global scale.
All of the information in this profile was accurate at the date and time of publication.
Engine works to ensure that policymakers look for insight from the startup ecosystem when they are considering programs and legislation that affect entrepreneurs. Together, our voice is louder and more effective. Many of our lawmakers do not have first-hand experience with the country's thriving startup ecosystem, so it’s our job to amplify that perspective. To nominate a person, company, or organization to be featured in our #StartupsEverywhere series, email advocacy@engine.is.
