Dan Scarfe is the CEO and founder of XRAI, a company that develops augmented reality solutions to break down communication barriers, particularly for those with hearing loss and across language differences.

Key Takeaways:

• Origin Story: XRAI was born from Dan's personal experience with his grandfather who had lost his hearing, inspiring the idea to combine real-time subtitles with augmented reality.
• Evolving Technology: Starting with assistive technology for hearing loss, XRAI expanded to facilitate cross-language communication and make events more accessible.
• Innovative Features: XRAI's "Auto Reverse" feature allows for seamless two-way conversations across languages, a significant improvement over traditional translation methods.
• Market Timing: Dan emphasizes the importance of timing in tech innovation, balancing between being too early and too late in the market.
• Hardware Challenges: While software capabilities are advancing, XRAI is still waiting for hardware breakthroughs to achieve the ideal AR glasses experience.

Dan's journey with XRAI began two and a half years ago, evolving from his background in enterprise IT. The company's initial focus was on providing real-time subtitles for individuals with hearing loss. However, they quickly expanded their vision to address language barriers, enabling conversations across 140 different languages.

XRAI's technology goes beyond simple translation. Their "Auto Reverse" feature allows for fluid two-way conversations, automatically detecting the spoken language and providing captions in the listener's preferred language. This approach significantly improves upon traditional translation methods by reducing communication delays.

Dan highlights the importance of balancing customer feedback with maintaining a focused vision. While open to user suggestions, he emphasizes the need to "stick to their knitting" and excel in a few key areas rather than trying to do everything.

The company faces challenges in hardware development, as the ideal AR glasses (lightweight, all-day wearable, full-color) are still a few years away. However, Dan sees this as an opportunity, positioning XRAI to be ready when the hardware catches up to their software capabilities.

Looking ahead, XRAI aims to continue refining their technology and expanding its applications, potentially revolutionizing how we communicate across languages and accessibility needs.

A "glow up" signifies a positive transformation, reflecting the journey of becoming a better, more successful version of oneself.

At The Glow Up, we humanize the startup and innovation landscape by focusing on the essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. Groundbreaking ideas are often ahead of their time, making resilience and perseverance vital for founders and product leaders.

In our podcast, we engage with innovators to discuss their transformative ideas, the challenges they face, and how they create value for future success.

If you're a founder or product leader seeking your own glow up, or a seasoned entrepreneur with stories to share, we invite you to join our guest list via this link.

Richard Zreik is the founder of InnoVationGirls, and Tereze Bogdane is a student and active member of the community. InnoVationGirls is a global community of young Gen Z girls and non-binary individuals working on innovative solutions to global problems, with a current focus on solving fast fashion waste using new technologies.Key Takeaways:

• Origin Story: InnoVationGirls was born from Richard's personal experience as a father, recognizing gender inequity in the workplace.
• Global Community: IVG has evolved into a worldwide network of young innovators, working remotely across many countries.
• Technology Focus: The group utilizes cutting-edge technologies like VR, AR, NFTs, and DAOs in their projects.
• Fast Fashion Solution: IVG is currently working on addressing fast fashion waste through innovative use of technology and creative thinking.
• Award-Winning Work: The team has gained international recognition, including winning best in show at the Augmented World Expo in Vienna.

Richard's journey began when he became a father and noticed the unfair treatment of women in the workplace. This realization led him and his wife to quit their corporate jobs and create a business model that could bring about change. InnoVationGirls evolved from this mission, aiming to tap into the latent innovative energy of young minds.

Tereze, representing the student perspective, describes IVG as a fun and engaging community where learning happens naturally through collaboration and creative problem-solving. She emphasizes the power of storytelling and the excitement of being part of a movement fighting for a better future.

The group's approach combines systematic inventive thinking with new technologies. Their current project on fast fashion waste involves using leftover fabric to create patches with NFC tags, turning them into NFTs that can represent tickets or memories.IVG's success is evident in their collaborations with major companies like Meta, Procter & Gamble, and General Electric. In one project for GE, they developed a solution for recycling K-cups in the workplace, which won first place among 50 competing teams.

Kickstarter Campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ivgworld-sesame/sesame-design-with-conscience (not live yet)

Website: https://ivg.world/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovationgirls

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivg.world/

A "glow up" signifies a positive transformation, reflecting the journey of becoming a better, more successful version of oneself.

At The Glow Up, we humanize the startup and innovation landscape by focusing on the essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. Groundbreaking ideas are often ahead of their time, making resilience and perseverance vital for founders and product leaders.

In our podcast, we engage with innovators to discuss their transformative ideas, the challenges they face, and how they create value for future success.

If you're a founder or product leader seeking your own glow up, or a seasoned entrepreneur with stories to share, we invite you to join our guest list via this link.

Moody Mattan is the co-founder and CEO of Brand XR, a company that offers a no-code augmented reality platform and professional XR services, focusing on making AR technology accessible to non-technical users and businesses.Key Takeaways:

• No-Code AR Platform: Brand XR's Studio allows users to create AR experiences without coding, similar to website builders like Squarespace or Wix.
• AR Murals: A unique product combining physical murals with AR technology, used by major brands like Verizon for engaging local communities.
• Rapid Prototyping: Brand XR emphasizes quick turnaround on prototypes, allowing clients to experience and provide feedback on AR projects within weeks.
• Industry Evolution: Moody's journey reflects the rapid growth and changes in the AR/VR industry over the past decade.

Moody's journey into AR began during his time in venture capital, where he first encountered AR technology through an investment in Meta (not Facebook's Meta). This experience led him to start a company producing Google Cardboard VR viewers, which sold millions of units.

Brand XR was born from Moody's realization that there was a need for easy-to-use AR creation tools. The company now offers both a no-code platform for creating AR experiences and professional services for custom projects.

One of Brand XR's standout products is their AR murals, which combine physical street art with interactive AR elements. These projects, like those for Verizon, involve collaboration between local artists, Brand XR's team, and the client's marketing departments to create engaging, localized experiences.

Moody emphasizes the importance of rapid prototyping in their process, allowing clients to experience and provide feedback on AR projects within weeks. This approach has been crucial in helping clients understand and engage with the technology.Looking ahead, Brand XR continues to focus on making AR technology accessible and useful for a wide range of applications, from marketing to education.

__ About Moody Mattan
Mahmoud “Moody” Mattan is a serial entrepreneur and the Founder & CEO of BrandXR, a No-Code Augmented Reality Platform and award-winning XR Studio. Under Moody’s leadership, BrandXR has delivered cutting-edge AR experiences for major brands such as Chevy, NASA, the NBA, and Verizon, transforming how these companies engage with their audiences. He has also established strategic AR partnerships with META, Snapchat, and TikTok, positioning BrandXR as a top AR creator in the industry.

Before founding BrandXR, Mr. Mattan built PowisVR, a multi-million-dollar virtual reality headset and mobile accessories business. His venture capital experience includes leading investments in Meta, Sidecar, and Genius (formerly Rap Genius) at Pegasus Tech Ventures. With a venture capital, business development, and marketing background, Mr. Mattan specializes in finding profitable strategies for emerging technologies.

A "glow up" signifies a positive transformation, reflecting the journey of becoming a better, more successful version of oneself.

At The Glow Up, we humanize the startup and innovation landscape by focusing on the essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. Groundbreaking ideas are often ahead of their time, making resilience and perseverance vital for founders and product leaders.

In our podcast, we engage with innovators to discuss their transformative ideas, the challenges they face, and how they create value for future success.

If you're a founder or product leader seeking your own glow up, or a seasoned entrepreneur with stories to share, we invite you to join our guest list via this link.

Tristan Elizabeth Gribben is the founder of Flow, an immersive meditation technology platform that aims to make meditation accessible and effective for modern, busy people.Key Takeaways:

• Innovative Approach: Flow combines technology with a unique meditation method (Breathe, Move, Let Go, Calm, Focus, Restore) to provide immediate access to the benefits of meditation.
• Multi-Platform Accessibility: Initially focused on VR, Flow has expanded to web, mobile, tablets, and TV, making it widely accessible across various devices.
• Adaptability: The company pivoted during COVID-19, expanding beyond VR to meet changing customer needs and preferences.
• Wide-ranging Applications: Flow is being used in corporate settings, prisons, rehab centers, and hospitals, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness.
• Measurable Impact: The company focuses on gathering data and testimonials to quantify the benefits of their meditation technology.

Tristan's journey with Flow began in 2015, driven by her passion for meditation and a vision to make its profound benefits more accessible through technology. The company started with VR but has since expanded to multiple platforms to reach a wider audience.

Flow's unique approach combines immersive technology with a structured meditation method that includes breathing, movement, letting go of tension, finding calm, focusing, and restoring. This method has proven effective even for those who typically struggle with traditional meditation practices.

The company has faced challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has shown resilience by adapting their product offerings and expanding their reach. They've successfully implemented their technology in various settings, from corporate environments to healthcare facilities.

Tristan emphasizes the importance of listening to customer feedback while staying true to the core mission. This approach has led to positive developments, such as expanding to different platforms based on user needs in various settings.

Looking ahead, Flow aims to continue expanding its reach and impact, with a focus on providing accessible, effective meditation tools for diverse populations.

A "glow up" signifies a positive transformation, reflecting the journey of becoming a better, more successful version of oneself.

At The Glow Up, we humanize the startup and innovation landscape by focusing on the essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. Groundbreaking ideas are often ahead of their time, making resilience and perseverance vital for founders and product leaders.

In our podcast, we engage with innovators to discuss their transformative ideas, the challenges they face, and how they create value for future success.

If you're a founder or product leader seeking your own glow up, or a seasoned entrepreneur with stories to share, we invite you to join our guest list via this link.

Jennifer Johnson is the founder and CEO of JennJ Health and Fitness, focusing on digital health solutions for breast cancer patients. Her flagship product, FitnessCan, is a health and fitness app designed to support breast cancer patients before, during, and after treatment.Key Takeaways:

• Personal Experience Driving Innovation: Jennifer's own breast cancer diagnosis led her to create FitnessCan, addressing a gap in health tracking for cancer patients.
• Data-Driven Health Management: FitnessCan integrates wearable data, medication tracking, and journaling to provide a comprehensive health overview for patients and healthcare providers.
• Empowering Patients: The app aims to help breast cancer patients stay active during treatment, potentially improving outcomes and quality of life.
• Addressing Health Disparities: Jennifer's focus on health equity extends to increasing diversity in clinical trials and improving outcomes for women of color.
• Innovative Business Model: FitnessCan uses a freemium model, leveraging user data to provide value to healthcare providers, payers, and pharmaceutical companies.

Jennifer's journey into health tech entrepreneurship began with her unexpected diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer at a young age. As a fitness enthusiast and data analytics professional, she tracked her health meticulously during treatment, which inspired the creation of FitnessCan.

The app integrates data from wearables, medication tracking, and journaling to provide a comprehensive view of a patient's health during cancer treatment. This holistic approach allows patients to share detailed information with their healthcare providers, potentially leading to better-informed care decisions.

Jennifer emphasizes the importance of staying active during cancer treatment, citing studies that show up to 40% better outcomes for active patients. FitnessCan aims to make this easier by providing tailored suggestions based on the user's current health status.

A key aspect of Jennifer's mission is addressing health disparities, particularly for women of color. She highlights that Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer and represent less than 3% of clinical trials. FitnessCan aims to contribute to real-world evidence studies, potentially increasing diversity in research.

Jennifer's story is one of turning personal adversity into innovation, leveraging her professional experience in health tech to create a solution that could benefit many others facing similar challenges.

About our guest: Jennifer Johnson is the Founder and CEO of JennJ Health, dedicated to empowering breast cancer patients through digital fitness and wellness solutions. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare operations and as a breast cancer survivor herself, Jennifer is passionate about bridging gaps in patient care.

JennJ Health's flagship product, the FitnessCan app, offers personalized fitness plans, mental wellness support, and a st

A "glow up" signifies a positive transformation, reflecting the journey of becoming a better, more successful version of oneself.

At The Glow Up, we humanize the startup and innovation landscape by focusing on the essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. Groundbreaking ideas are often ahead of their time, making resilience and perseverance vital for founders and product leaders.

In our podcast, we engage with innovators to discuss their transformative ideas, the challenges they face, and how they create value for future success.

If you're a founder or product leader seeking your own glow up, or a seasoned entrepreneur with stories to share, we invite you to join our guest list via this link.

Caspar Thykier is the CEO and co-founder of Zappar (zappar.com), a company focused on augmented reality (AR) technology. With a background in marketing and advertising, Caspar has been exploring the potential of AR for over 13 years.Key Takeaways:

• AR Evolution: Zappar has been at the forefront of AR development since mobile devices made the technology more accessible.
• Problem-Solving Focus: The company's approach is centered on finding practical applications for AR that solve real-world problems.
• Adaptability: Over 13 years, Zappar has navigated changing markets, evolving technology, and competition from tech giants.
• User-Centric Approach: Caspar emphasizes the importance of focusing on user experience and value rather than the technology itself.
• Diverse Applications: Zappar has found uses for AR ranging from enhancing children's toys to improving accessibility on product packaging.

Caspar's journey into AR began with a background in virtual worlds, particularly with PlayStation Home. The founding of Zappar was driven by the question, "What is AR on mobile devices good for?" This question has guided their innovation process for over a decade.The company's approach to innovation is multifaceted.

They focus on creating practical applications that people will actually pay for, rather than relying solely on investment. This has led them to explore various use cases, from entertainment with Hasbro toys to accessibility solutions for Unilever product packaging.

A key insight Caspar shares is that people don't care about AR as a technology; they care about the value it provides. This user-centric approach has helped Zappar navigate the challenges of creating a market for a new technology while competing with larger tech companies.

Caspar highlights two significant projects that showcase Zappar's evolution:

1. Collaboration with Hasbro to enhance toys with AR, which required solving technical challenges like printing codes on various materials at high speeds.
2. Developing Zapvision, an enhancement to QR codes that improves accessibility for visually impaired individuals, in partnership with Unilever.

About Caspar Thykier

Caspar Thykier is the Co-Founder and CEO of Zappar, the world’s leading computer vision company, specialising in AR, MR and WebAR technologies. Caspar and the Zappar team have been vanguards in the XR industry for over 13 years, pioneering the tools, technology and hardware used by brands, businesses and XR creators across the world. Prior to founding Zappar, Caspar spent 15 years as a board director and managing director of major advertising agencies.

A "glow up" signifies a positive transformation, reflecting the journey of becoming a better, more successful version of oneself.

At The Glow Up, we humanize the startup and innovation landscape by focusing on the essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. Groundbreaking ideas are often ahead of their time, making resilience and perseverance vital for founders and product leaders.

In our podcast, we engage with innovators to discuss their transformative ideas, the challenges they face, and how they create value for future success.

If you're a founder or product leader seeking your own glow up, or a seasoned entrepreneur with stories to share, we invite you to join our guest list via this link.

Howard 702 Taylor is a VR digital enthusiast and content creator who hosts "The Howard Hour," a weekly series in Horizon Worlds. Howard's mission is to bring awareness to VR, XR, and AR technologies in the metaverse, highlighting what's cool and what to avoid.Key Takeaways:

• VR as a Platform for Connection: Howard discovered VR's potential for community building and creative expression through experiences in Horizon Worlds.
• Tethering Virtual and Real Experiences: Howard emphasizes the importance of maintaining organic, genuine interactions in virtual spaces, recognizing the real emotions and energy people bring into VR.
• Impact Beyond Entertainment: The Howard Hour has shown its potential to positively influence viewers' lives, even preventing potentially harmful actions.
• Global Reach of VR Content: Howard's experience at AWE demonstrated the international impact of his work, transcending language barriers.
• Future Focus on Mental Health: Howard plans to expand The Howard Hour to address mental health issues and create a space for authentic human experiences in the digital realm.

Howard's journey into VR began with a serendipitous experience in Horizon Worlds, where he performed his music in a virtual comedy club. This moment revealed VR's potential for creative expression and community building, inspiring the creation of The Howard Hour.

The concept of "tethering" the metaverse to real life is central to Howard's approach. He stresses the importance of maintaining genuine, organic interactions in virtual spaces, recognizing that real emotions and energy translate into VR experiences. This philosophy has led to meaningful connections and impactful moments with his audience.

A pivotal moment for Howard was when a viewer shared that The Howard Hour had prevented them from making a potentially life-altering mistake. This experience underscored the show's potential to positively influence lives beyond mere entertainment.Howard's impact was further validated at the AWE conference, where an international attendee recognized him and shared a clip from The Howard Hour, demonstrating the global reach of his content despite language barriers.

About Howard Taylor
Howard702lv is a virtual personality known for his presence on the Howard Hour Live show in the metaverse. With a charismatic and engaging personality, Howard702lv brings a unique perspective to the show, offering insightful commentary on a variety of topics ranging from technology and gaming to current events and pop culture.

As a seasoned virtual entertainer, Howard702lv has built a loyal following of fans who tune in regularly to watch him in action on the show. His quick wit, infectious energy, and passion for engaging with his audience make him a standout figure in the metaverse entertainment scene.

A "glow up" signifies a positive transformation, reflecting the journey of becoming a better, more successful version of oneself.

At The Glow Up, we humanize the startup and innovation landscape by focusing on the essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. Groundbreaking ideas are often ahead of their time, making resilience and perseverance vital for founders and product leaders.

In our podcast, we engage with innovators to discuss their transformative ideas, the challenges they face, and how they create value for future success.

If you're a founder or product leader seeking your own glow up, or a seasoned entrepreneur with stories to share, we invite you to join our guest list via this link.

Austin Stanbury is the co-founder of Augmented Info Systems, a VR development studio focused on enhancing accessibility in education, particularly for neurodivergent individuals with high support needs. The company aims to create immersive learning experiences that benefit all students by addressing diverse learning styles and needs.Key Takeaways:

• Accessibility in Education: Augmented Info Systems prioritizes making educational tools accessible for neurodivergent individuals, which ultimately enhances the learning experience for everyone.
• Virtual Reality as a "Helping Technology": VR is utilized to simulate real-life scenarios, allowing users to practice skills and navigate challenging social interactions in a safe environment.
• Vocational Training Support: The company develops tools that help neurodiverse individuals build confidence and autonomy through vocational training and mental health support.
• Collaboration with Institutions: Partnering with educational institutions and support centers provides valuable insights into the needs of neurodiverse learners, ensuring the tools developed are effective and relevant.
• Long-Term Vision: Austin dreams of establishing an educational facility that leverages VR across all subjects, aiming to remove barriers to learning and provide multimodal instruction tailored to individual needs.

Austin discusses how VR can help individuals practice everyday situations, such as workplace interactions or health-related scenarios, which can be particularly daunting for those with anxiety or social challenges. This approach not only prepares users for real-world experiences but also fosters personal dignity and self-esteem.

The insights gained from collaborating with support centers have been instrumental in shaping the direction of Augmented Info Systems. Austin emphasizes that the focus should always be on the needs of the people being served, ensuring that the technology developed genuinely addresses their challenges.


About Austin Stanburry:
Austin Stanbury, CEO of Augmented Info Systems (AIS), has a wealth of expertise in project management, edutech, and virtual reality development. His professional experience spans roles as an adjunct professor, senior consultant, and co-founder. Austin's work has been showcased globally at major venues including AWE, ACM VRST, IEEE GEM, and Games for Change. He is dedicated to establishing virtual reality as a default educational technology for everyone.

A "glow up" signifies a positive transformation, reflecting the journey of becoming a better, more successful version of oneself.

At The Glow Up, we humanize the startup and innovation landscape by focusing on the essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. Groundbreaking ideas are often ahead of their time, making resilience and perseverance vital for founders and product leaders.

In our podcast, we engage with innovators to discuss their transformative ideas, the challenges they face, and how they create value for future success.

If you're a founder or product leader seeking your own glow up, or a seasoned entrepreneur with stories to share, we invite you to join our guest list via this link.