[SuperAI](https://www.superai.com), Asia’s premier artificial intelligence (AI) conference, announced today its upcoming global debut in Singapore. Taking place at the iconic Marina Bay Sands from 5-6 June 2024, SuperAI is set to welcome industry leaders, heads of state, entrepreneurs, renowned researchers and enthusiasts alike, as the vibrant city-state plays host to the brightest minds in AI. Throughout Singapore AI Week, commencing from 3-9 June, attendees can look forward to a vast range of meet-ups, workshops, hackathons and exclusive networking opportunities. 

Expected to welcome 5,000 attendees to its inaugural edition, SuperAI delves into the biggest technological phenomenon of the modern age. With AI poised to shape the future of society, SuperAI attendees will be privy to discussions at the forefront of the industry, with topics spanning the intersection of AI in finance and healthcare, generative AI, robotics, ethics of AI and much more. With a speaker line-up that encompasses diverse industries, SuperAI will feature in-depth keynote presentations, panel discussions, live demonstrations and networking sessions covering a holistic perspective on the future of the AI industry at-large.

Celebrating the launch of SuperAI, Alex Fiskum, Co-Founder of SuperAI said: “We are incredibly excited to launch the first edition of SuperAI in Singapore, a global hub for innovation and a natural catalyst for the advancement of AI. Going into 2024, we have seen a surge in global event interest, with internationals accounting for over 60% of our registrations to date. SuperAI will boast a dynamic participation mix, from early-stage AI pioneers, to established business and industry leaders, all eager to explore the transformative potential of AI.”

SuperAI just announced its first round of speakers, including whistleblower Edward Snowden; prolific angel investor and entrepreneur Balaji Srinivasan; analyst Benedict Evans; Raoul Pal, Co-Founder and CEO of Real Vision; Sophia, the humanoid robot from Hanson Robotics; Ben Goertzel, Founder and CEO of Singularity Net amongst others.  

Further commenting on the upcoming conference, Alex Fiskum added: “SuperAI promises to be the most significant AI gathering in Asia this year, bridging the AI communities of both the eastern and western hemispheres. We couldn't be more excited to bring the global AI industry to Singapore.”

For more information on SuperAI ticketing and updates, please visit [www.superai.com/](https://www.superai.com/). 

**About SuperAI** 

SuperAI is the premier artificial intelligence (AI) conference in Asia that unveils the next wave of transformative technologies to the world. Converging global industry leaders, heads of state, entrepreneurs, renowned researchers and enthusiasts alike, SuperAI will see a vibrant meeting of the brightest minds that will shape the future of artificial intelligence. Taking place at the iconic Marina Bay Sands in Singapore for its inaugural edition, SuperAI delves into the forefront of AI developments to uncover the limitless potential of the AI evolution. 

**Media Contact**

[SuperAI@wachsman.com](mailto:superai@wachsman.com)

SuperAI, Asia's premier artificial intelligence (AI) conference, is set to debut in Singapore on 5-6 June 2024. Join industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and researchers at Marina Bay Sands for discussions, keynotes, panel sessions, and live demos on the future of AI. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of the transformative AI technologies.

SuperAI, Asia’s Premier Artificial Intelligence Conference, Debuts in Singapore 

## Introduction

In today's challenging business landscape, young entrepreneurs encounter obstacles such as soaring costs, discriminatory practices, and a dearth of quality business education. However, three Ukrainians, namely Maksym Nagara, Sergei Yezdin, and Sergei Paschenko, have developed a solution aimed at addressing these issues. Thus, the highly promising AI-powered startup HotBall was conceived, serving as a complimentary mentorship platform that empowers aspiring entrepreneurs from around the globe to obtain invaluable feedback on their business ideas.

In this interview, Maksym delves into the project's origins, provides  details on the initial investment required to acquire the first 1000 users, and unveils the future plans and aspirations of the company.

## What’s the backstory of the project?

![](img/hotball-team-1-.jpg)

As for myself, I have spent numerous years as a strategy consultant, providing guidance to Ukrainian startups in devising their go-to-market strategies and achieving scalable growth in diverse industries.

One of co-founders, Sergii Yezdin, assumes the role of Chief Marketing Officer. We have been close friends for over five years, and Sergii's previous venture, Pix, flourished in 80 countries under his astute leadership. Together, we have collaborated on various startup endeavors, leveraging Sergii's expertise in product development and marketing.

Our other co-founder, Serhii Pashenko, serves as the Chief Technology Officer, bringing eight years of invaluable experience in SaaS and blockchain startups. Serhii's notable accomplishment includes the creation of TempleWallet, which has garnered immense popularity within the Tezos ecosystem, boasting over 200,000 users.

Throughout our collective journey, we have observed a recurring challenge faced by aspiring entrepreneurs—many individuals struggle to articulate their business concepts succinctly and lack the analytical acumen to identify potential weaknesses. It was during this period that we witnessed the growth of OpenAi. This inspired the conception of HotBall.ai—an AI-powered assistant capable of instantaneously comprehending and analyzing any business insight. We have already launched the MVP, which has garnered significant traction, attracting over 3000 registered users.

## Why HotBall and what’s its mission?

![](img/maksym-nagara_hotball-ceo-and-founder-3-.jpg)

We wanted a name that reflected the dynamic collaboration and energy of modern entrepreneurs. Our aim is to empower individuals with valuable insights and guidance. By harnessing the power of AI technology, we mitigate financial risks and save time and money.

Our mission goes beyond just providing business planning services. We are determined to democratize expertise and create equal opportunities for entrepreneurs worldwide. Imagine having an assistant that operates like a committee of seasoned executives, offering a wealth of experience and insights for every business decision you make.

Moreover, at HotBall, our goal is to be the go-to platform for generating robust strategies and creating tailored content. Whether a user needs assistance developing product models, financial forecasts, or conducting comprehensive market research, our comprehensive support ensures you have all the tools you need to thrive.

## What’s the potential of HotBall?

![](img/hotball-team.jpg)

The market potential for HotBall.ai is immense. In the EU and USA combined, there are [over 70 million individuals](https://www.gemconsortium.org/reports/latest-global-report) engaged in early-stage entrepreneurial activity.  

One of the prevailing challenges they face is the overwhelming fear of failure, which significantly hampers the progress of business startups, particularly those founded by young entrepreneurs. This apprehension stems from limited access to educational programs, qualified guidance, and a lack of practical experience. 

Thus, this expansive market presents an abundance of potential users for our project, and we are thrilled to serve as a valuable resource for each and every one of them.

## What differs HotBall from its competitors?

![](img/hotball-team-2-.jpg)

In the competitive business planning services market, we see companies like IdeaBuddy, Strategyzer, and Bizplan. These platforms typically charge users between $250 and $330 to help compile their business plans. They do this by using Typeform to ask questions and create presentations.

However, there's a catch with these services—they primarily focus on storing and presenting the business plan instead of actively assisting with the planning process. That's where HotBall.ai sets itself apart. Our approach is to provide valuable guidance to users, helping them find the answers they need. We guide them through decision points and present alternative options using our optimized LLM. Moreover, our AI technology takes care of organizing and recording the business plan, streamlining the entire process for users.

## How does HotBall work?

![](img/hotball.jpg)

For now HotBall.ai offers a working MVP that can generate a name, mission, value proposition, and business model from the idea. Users will receive a workspace for multiple projects and can download results in PDF. The library provides startup ideation frameworks with examples from successful companies.

We have over 1000 users that we’ve got without any penny spent on marketing. Also, we offer a free plan with limitations, as well as a pro plan for $2.99/month with unlimited projects, export options, AI suggestions, and premium support. To dive into HotBall, simply create an account, outline your business purpose and process, and let our AI provide expert feedback and recommendations. 

## What are your plans for the future?

![](img/maksym-nagara_hotball-ceo-and-founder-1-.jpg)

I’m happy to announce that we have some exciting new features in the pipeline. Our upcoming updates will include conducting in-depth interviews, performing thorough cause-effect analyses, conducting comprehensive online marketing research, and generating real-time clarifying questions specific to your business.

In addition, you can find us participating in various industry events in Portugal such as WebSummit, Nova, and IAPMEI. These gatherings allow us to stay on top of the latest trends, innovative strategies, and emerging technologies. We want HotBall.ai to remain at the forefront, providing you with the most advanced AI-powered business consulting tool available. 

Lastly, we're raising a pre-seed round for $200 000 to fund product development and promotion.

## Advices to young IT entrepreneurs

![](img/maksym-nagara_hotball-ceo-and-founder-2-.jpg)

No secrets or life hacks here, just a few simple rules that really work:

* Educate yourself. Keep learning and stay updated with the latest trends in the IT industry. This will give you an edge and help you make informed decisions.
* Build a strong network. Attend industry events, join communities, and connect with like-minded individuals, mentors, and potential collaborators.
* Find a mentor. Seek experienced professionals who can guide you through challenges and provide valuable insights to avoid common pitfalls.
* Start small. Focus on a well-defined niche or target market to better understand customer needs and provide tailored solutions.
* Embrace failure. Taking risks is part of entrepreneurship, and failure is inevitable. Learn from mistakes, adapt, and persist to achieve success.


Discover HotBall.ai, the AI-powered startup revolutionizing business planning. Get valuable insights, guidance, and expert feedback on your business ideas. Empower yourself with the tools to thrive in today's challenging business landscape.

How HotBall.ai empowers entrepreneurs with AI: an interview with CEO Maksym Nagara

# Gaming as new start-up platforms: How Roblox, Fortnite, and UEFN's in-game economy works

Today, gaming platforms are no longer just entertainment. These are full-fledged ecosystems where products are created, business models are built, and new entrepreneurs appear.

Startups that launch inside these worlds no longer look like toys. These are businesses with a team, investments, an understandable audience, and even marketing strategies. Generation Z and Alpha don't just spend time in virtual worlds - they live there. And they pay. This means the business has a new market that cannot be ignored.

In this article, we will analyze how the in-game economy works and what makes it attractive to startups, developers, and investors. Let's see how monetization works at Roblox, why Epic Games is developing UEFN, and how Fortnite is becoming a platform for brands and creators. We will answer the main question: is it possible to build a sustainable business in the game, and if so, how?

## Why have gaming ecosystems become interesting to entrepreneurs and investors?

Traditionally, entrepreneurs have been looking for customers offline or on classic digital platforms - sites, marketplaces, and social networks. But in the past few years, the trajectory has changed: increasingly, the entry point is the playing environment. Not because it is fashionable, but because it is effective.

Gaming ecosystems have one obvious advantage: they gather a gigantic audience. Roblox has over 70 million daily active users. Fortnite - about 250 million players per month. These users are not just playing. They're involved, they're spending, they're creating the content themselves. It's the audience that keeps the laptop on after purchase - it comes back again and again.

Investors are watching, too. Roblox entered the IPO with an estimated $41 billion, even though many of its creators are teenagers. For foundations and business angels, this is a signal: if there is a market and it is growing, it is worth going there. Especially when the entry threshold is lower than that of classic startups.

Games offer a unique business environment: fast start-up, real-time user feedback, flexible monetization tools, and ready-made infrastructure. Everything a funder needs to test an idea at no extra cost.

### Roblox: how teenagers create businesses on their platform

In Roblox, entrepreneurs often do not look the way it is customary to represent funders. These are not graduates of business schools and not former CEOs of corporations. These are schoolchildren and students who have learned to create worlds inside Roblox Studio and turned their games into a sustainable source of income.

Roblox is not just a game - it is a constructor of ecosystems. On its basis, you can create your product, build monetization, establish analytics, and scale. Successful developers get millions of views, make money on in-game purchases, and get a cut from a Roblox Premium subscription.

According to the reports of the company itself, in 2023, more than 2,000 creators on the platform earned over $30 thousand per year. Some are hundreds of thousands. They launch studios, hire teams, communicate with investors, and develop their projects as a full-fledged business. All this is inside the game, which was originally considered by many to be "just a game".

Why does it work? Roblox relied on user-generated content. This means that every user is a potential developer. And if the game goes to the audience, it takes off organically. No investment in marketing, no complex CRM, no long customer acquisition cycle.

In addition, Roblox supports developers through foundations, guides, events, and access to analytics. This is no longer a platform - it is a full-fledged business environment. Only focused on the new generation: those who grew up with a tablet in their hands and learn to build businesses from the age of 12.

### Fortnite and UEFN: When AAA tools fall into the hands of founders

If Roblox is a constructor with simple visual code and cartoonish aesthetics, then Fortnite and UEFN (Unreal Editor for Fortnite) are already about adult graphics, advanced tools, and those who are ready to treat in-game creation as a full-fledged development on Unreal Engine.

What is UEFN? This is an editor with which you can create your games right inside Fortnite. At the same time, developers use the same engine as in large AAA projects. The difference is the speed of entry and access to the huge Fortnite audience.

Epic Games has created a unique environment: a platform where you get both tools and market at the same time. UEFN allows you to publish your games (or "experiences") directly to Fortnite, and if they become popular, you make money. And not only on donations. Epic shares revenue with authors based on user engagement.

Why is this important? Developers who used to look for an investor for the first prototype can now assemble a team, make an MVP, launch a game, and test hypotheses right inside Fortnite. This makes it cheaper and faster to launch. At the same time, the creators receive feedback from the audience, analytics, and the opportunity to profit without external funding.

For entrepreneurs, this is a game-changer. Now, a studio with 2-3 people can compete for attention with large players. And if experience shows, not only does the audience come in, but also the interest of investors.

UEFN is a bridge between game production and the startup approach. Where quick launch, hypothesis testing, scaling - all this is possible in a familiar environment where users are already ready to spend money.

## Why should startups pay attention to gaming platforms?

Gaming platforms are no longer just a place for entertainment. Today, these are full-fledged digital ecosystems with millions of active users who are ready not only to play, but also to interact, create content, buy, and sell within the platform.

Audience scale. For example, Roblox, Fortnite, and other platforms collect several tens of millions of active users per month. This is a huge market where you can immediately test your ideas on a live audience without high marketing costs.

Economics within games. Inside these platforms are full-fledged economies with virtual goods, services, and currencies. Startups can offer solutions related to the sale of digital goods, subscriptions, advertising, and even financial services.

Low entry. Creating projects within game ecosystems has become easier with convenient tools and SDKs. This allows you to quickly launch a prototype and test the concept at no cost.

Monetization opportunities. In-game purchases, subscriptions, advertising, sponsorship - all this already works and brings real money. For startups, this is a chance to start making money from the very beginning.

Investor interest. Venture funds are already paying attention to gaming projects and metaverse. Startups that know how to work in these environments are given additional opportunities to attract funding.

Thus, gaming platforms today are a new space for business, where creativity and technical skills are transformed into real products and revenues.

### Examples of businesses and economics within Roblox, Fortnite and UEFN

For many entrepreneurs, this has become a launching pad for business. The creators receive income from the Roblox in-game currency, which players buy for real money. Developers earn a percentage of each transaction, and the most successful projects bring in hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars.

Fortnite was originally just a battle royal, but now it is a platform with its own item store, events and opportunities for creators. Epic Games allows third-party developers to create content through Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), which opens up new horizons for startups. You can create your own game modes, branding collaborations and even virtual concerts, attracting millions of users.

In such ecosystems, the economic model includes the sale of skins, items, combat season passes, and monetization through advertising and partnerships. For entrepreneurs, this is not only an opportunity to create entertainment, but also to build a full-fledged business with sustainable income.

The main thing is to understand that this is not just the development of games, but the construction of an entire ecosystem with an active audience and its own market rules. It is important for startups to study the features of platforms, use the tools provided, and create products that will be in demand in specific gaming communities.

### Tips for startups starting out in gaming ecosystems

The first steps in the world of gaming platforms require understanding and adaptation to the specifics of the market. First of all, it is important to study the audience of a particular platform - who these players are, what formats and topics they are interested in, how they interact with content. The gaming ecosystem is not just code and graphics, it is a living community with its own rules.

Startups should start small: create prototypes, test ideas on a narrow audience, quickly respond to feedback. Flexibility and speed are key success factors. Don't be afraid to experiment with monetization formats and models.

The technical part also requires attention. Platforms such as Roblox and UEFN provide tools for product development and integration, but mastering these tools takes time. It is important to have a team of specialists who understand how games are built within these systems and how to better integrate the business model.

Finally, partnerships and collaborations are worth paying attention to. Joint projects with already known developers or brands help to quickly gain trust and expand the audience. Gaming ecosystems actively support such initiatives, which creates additional opportunities for growth.

As a result, success depends on the ability to combine player understanding, technological knowledge and entrepreneurial approach. Gaming platforms today are a new territory for business, where startups can not only survive, but build scalable companies.

## Successful startup cases inside gaming ecosystems

One notable example is Adopt Me! - a game inside Roblox that has grown into a business with millions of users. The creators initially focused on simple, intuitive mechanics and constant content updates. Through community engagement and regular events, the game has become a platform for monetization through virtual goods and premium access.

Another example is FNCS (Fortnite Competitive Series), where entrepreneurs and organizations build businesses around esports, tournaments, and content making. The Fortnite platform provided opportunities for large-scale competitions with a large prize pool, which attracted the attention of sponsors and advertisers.

Also worth noting are projects using UEFN (Unreal Editor for Fortnite). Startups create unique game worlds and social spaces that offer users new formats of interaction and entertainment. Such projects become a kind of metaverse, where you can simultaneously play, communicate and make purchases.

These examples show that gaming ecosystems are not just entertainment, but full-fledged business platforms with a variety of opportunities for earning and development.

## Final thoughts

Gaming platforms today open up new horizons for entrepreneurs. They combine technology, community, and economy in a single space where you can create unique products and build a business from scratch. For startups ready to adapt and learn, these ecosystems provide ample opportunities.

The main thing is to understand the specifics of each platform, work with the audience, and use the tools they offer. Then, business within games will cease to be a niche direction and will become a full-fledged part of the modern economy.

Gaming ecosystems are the next step in the development of digital entrepreneurship, and today, it is here that the trends of tomorrow are formed.

What's behind the popular gaming platforms?

Games as next-gen platforms for startups: economy inside Roblox, Fortnite, UEFN

## Introduction

![Image from rawpixel.com](img/map-lying-wooden-table_53876-65112.jpg "Image from rawpixel.com")

Image from rawpixel.com\
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[The most effective way to gain valuable insights](https://app.mash.com/reward/af37b89c-1817-46ae-8d67-099f58eb6ac4), learn from industry experts and stay updated on the latest trends is by tuning into startup podcasts. With a plethora of options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones, but in this article will help you to find the best startup podcasts for founders in 2024.

## 1. Masters of Scale:

Hosted by Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, Masters of Scale features interviews with some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world. The focus is on rapid-growth, venture-backed startups and strategies to achieve optimal success.

## 2. Equity by TechCrunch:

Alex Wilhelm and Mary Ann Azevedo host Equity, a podcast that discusses the latest trends and news from the startup and tech world. It covers a wide range of topics within the tech industry, making it perfect for startup founders and tech fanatics.

## 3. Entrepreneurs on Fire:

Hosted by John Lee Dumas, Entrepreneurs on Fire features impactful interviews with big-name entrepreneurs. It provides inspiration, education, and entertainment for startup founders and enthusiasts.

## 4. Rework:

Hosted by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, Rework offers practical tips and valuable insights about bootstrapping and growing a business slowly. It is a valuable resource for small business owners and bootstrapped businesses.

## 5. My First Million:

Hosted by Shaan Puri and Sam Parr, My First Million is a popular business podcast that explores new business ideas, interviews innovative founders, and analyzes successful companies. It is a great source of inspiration for entrepreneurs and startup fans.

## 6. The How of Business:

Hosted by Henry Lopez, The How of Business offers practical insights and valuable information for running a business. It is a valuable resource for small business owners and bootstrapped businesses.

## 7. The Diary Of A CEO (DOAC):

Hosted by Steven Bartlett, The Diary Of A CEO tells the story of Bartlett's journey as a successful entrepreneur. It offers valuable insights and lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and business executives.

## 8. World of DaaS:

Hosted by Auren Hoffman, World of DaaS is a podcast for data enthusiasts, covering strategic insights from guests in the data industry. It is particularly relevant for data-driven startup founders.

## 9. Mixergy:

Hosted by Andrew Warner, Mixergy offers in-depth interviews with a variety of entrepreneurs. The podcast aims to provide a different perspective on the startup world, offering unique insights and valuable information for aspiring entrepreneurs and new startup founders.

## 10. How I Built This:

Hosted by Guy Raz, How I Built This tells the stories of how innovators and entrepreneurs built their successful startups. With a lineup of influential entrepreneurs, this podcast provides noteworthy advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts.

## 11. Founders:

Hosted by David Senra, Founders delves into the stories of history's greatest entrepreneurs, highlighting their successes and failures. It offers lessons and inspiration for entrepreneurship enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs.

## Conclusion

![Image from rawpixel.com](img/aerial-view-business-team_53876-124515.jpg "Image from rawpixel.com")

Image from rawpixel.com\
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These 11 startup podcasts provide a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, andinsights for startup founders in 2024. [Whether you're seeking expert advice, success stories, or industry trends, these podcasts offer a diverse range of perspectives to help you navigate the startup world](https://app.mash.com/reward/af37b89c-1817-46ae-8d67-099f58eb6ac4). Tune in, learn from the best, and stay ahead of the curve as you build and grow your startup. Happy listening!


Discover the top 11 startup podcasts every founder should tune into in 2024. From Masters of Scale to Founders, gain insights, inspiration, and practical tips from industry experts and successful entrepreneurs.

Top 11 Startup Podcasts Every Founder Should Tune Into in 2024

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