In this episode of The Peaking Podcast, host Bryan Mikolaitis interviews Avi Latner, co-founder of Sloyd, a startup focused on revolutionizing 3D creation using AI. Avi shares his journey from Israel to the U.S., his early career in product management, and the challenges he faced while building Sloyd. The conversation delves into the impact of AI on game development, the user demographics of Sloyd, and the monetization strategies the company has explored. Avi emphasizes the importance of persistence in entrepreneurship and shares his vision for the future of 3D creation, highlighting the exciting possibilities for creators in the digital space.

Takeaways

Avi Latner is the co-founder of Sloyd, a startup focused on AI-driven 3D creation.
He transitioned from a career in product management to entrepreneurship during COVID.
Sloyd aims to simplify 3D creation for both indie developers and larger studios.
AI can significantly reduce the time and effort required to create 3D models.
The startup initially struggled with user retention and monetization strategies.
Avi emphasizes the importance of being prepared for financial challenges in entrepreneurship.
Sloyd’s user base includes thousands of active subscribers and many more casual users.
The company has evolved its product offerings from web-based tools to API integrations.
Avi believes that 3D creation will become more accessible and integral to various forms of media.
The future of Sloyd includes expanding capabilities and enhancing user experience with AI.

Sound bites

“You have to be persistent.”
“We’ve been through a lot.”
“It’s a good time to be a creator.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Avi Latner and Sloyd
02:15 Avi’s Early Career and Transition to Entrepreneurship
05:12 The Birth of Sloyd and AI in 3D Creation
09:37 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
14:48 Understanding Sloyd’s Technology and Market
17:39 The Future of Game Development with AI
21:31 Sloyd’s User Base and Growth
25:00 Team Dynamics and Co-founders’ Roles
27:14 Challenges Faced by Sloyd
29:45 Monetization Strategies and Product Market Fit
31:49 Lessons Learned in Early Development
33:54 The Future of 3D Creation and Sloyd’s Vision
36:33 Exciting Developments and Tools in the 3D Space
39:35 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Sloyd