In this episode of AI for Founders, Ryan Estes sits down with Galvin Widjaja, Founder and CEO of Lauretta.io, the privacy-first AI company transforming how organizations understand human behavior in physical spaces. Galvin shares how he built an AI startup trusted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, TSA, and U.S. Air Force, and how his early experiences in the restaurant industry shaped his empathy-first approach to AI leadership.
Key Takeaways
- How Galvin went from managing quick-service restaurants to leading an AI company working with government and defense agencies
- Why Lauretta.io focuses on privacy-first computer vision instead of identity-based surveillance
- The frameworks Galvin uses for scaling AI startups in high-security environments
- Balancing real-time situational awareness with ethical design and employee trust
- How certifications like ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and BizSafe build credibility with enterprise and government clients
- The role of empathy, equity, and resilience in building long-term company culture
- Predictions for the next 3–5 years of AI in security, operations, and smart buildings
Frameworks Discussed
- Privacy-by-Design – building anonymity and trust into the product architecture from the start
- Human-Centered AI – systems are only as good as the people they serve
- Predictive vs. Reactive Insight – moving from monitoring events to anticipating needs
- Trust Framework – combining technical certifications with transparent communication to win high-stakes clients
Resources
Learn more at aiforfounders.co and ryanestes.info
