In this episode of the CEO Podcast with Clint Betts, Sameer Maskey discusses the journey of his company approaching an IPO through a SPAC, detailing the steps involved in the process, including signing a Business Combination Agreement and waiting for SEC approvals. Maskey, with a rich background in AI and machine learning, elaborates on his career trajectory from his early research in dialog systems to founding Fusemachines in 2013. His initial focus was on creating customer service automation systems, leveraging his expertise in natural language dialog systems to cater to customer service sectors.

The conversation also touches on the broader impacts and applications of AI in business and society, reflecting on its evolution from niche to mainstream. Maskey highlights his personal mission through Fusemachines to democratize AI, aiming to make AI education and tools accessible worldwide, particularly in underserved communities. This approach, he believes, can significantly contribute to reducing poverty and improving quality of life globally. Additionally, Maskey shares insights into the operational and strategic aspects of leading a tech company, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and strategic planning in the dynamic tech landscape. 

Timestamps:
 00:00 - Introduction and discussion on going public via SPAC.
01:15 - Explanation of the SPAC process and business combination agreement.
02:30 - Background on Sameer Maskey's career and the founding of Fusemachines.
 03:45 - Discussion on the evolution of AI and its impact on society.
05:00 - The mission of Fusemachines to democratize AI.
06:20 - Sameer Maskey's background and education in Nepal.
07:30 - Typical daily schedule as CEO of Fusemachines.
08:45 - Strategy for deciding daily and weekly priorities.
10:00 - Future predictions for AI and its integration into daily life.
11:15 - Discussion on the potential for solo founders in the future due to AI advancements.
12:30 - Personal reading habits and book recommendations.
13:45 - Essential traits for leadership.
15:00 - Reflections on what Sameer Maskey wished he knew at the start of his career.