Dan Wright is no typical founder. With a formidable background at software powerhouses like AppDynamics and DataRobot, Dan has shifted his focus towards bridging the technological gap in edge computing with his latest venture, Armada. As the world’s first full-stack edge computing platform, Armada integrates computing and AI capabilities directly where data is generated.

Dan started Armada after recognizing a significant shift in data generation to the edge and the inadequate response of centralized clouds to the demands of heavy data producers in sectors like oil and gas and manufacturing.

In today’s episode, Dan discusses the origin story of Armada and its strategic partnership with Starlink, which allows it to extend its edge computing capabilities to remote locations. We also discuss:

The impact of edge computing
Armada’s product suite and roadmap
Bridging the digital divide
Building a business with SpaceX

And much more…

This episode is brought to you by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA).

• Chapters •

00:00 Intro & ITA Ad

01:11 What is Armada and why did you start the company?

02:33 Adding hardware capabilities

04:34 What is edge computing?

07:00 75% of all data will be generated at the edge

10:12 Serving remote corners of the world

11:22 What kind of efficiency will edge computing be able to make?

14:06 Armada x Starlink

16:59 How did Armada build their relationship with Starlink?

18:51 How did you convince SpaceX to work with you?

20:30 Without Starlink, can Armada still be successful?

22:11 Armada’s product suite

25:41 Creating demand for 3rd parties in the marketplace

28:11 The Galleon

30:44 Customer traction, targeting, and product in the field

32:58 Armada's smallest but still relevant customer

34:18 The competitive landscape

36:13 Extreme testing for Galleon

38:45 Capital raising

41:38 What keeps Dan up at night

43:17 Galleons but in space?

44:47 10 year vision

46:04 Dan's opinion on Starship's next flight test

50:40 What does Dan do for fun?

• Show notes •

Armada’s website — www.armada.ai

Dan’s socials — https://twitter.com/danwrightSF

Mo's socials — https://twitter.com/itsmoislam

Payload’s socials — https://twitter.com/payloadspace / https://www.linkedin.com/company/payloadspace

Pathfinder archive — Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@payloadspace Pathfinder archive — Listen: https://pod.payloadspace.com/episodes

• About us •

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The New Edge, with Dan Wright (Armada)

Valley of Depth