Amir Khan is the founder and Managing Director of MARL 5G Accelerator. MARL 5G focuses on creating and connecting a vibrant community of early-stage investors, startup founders, and corporate venture teams in the space of Mobility, Autonomy, Robotics and Logistics as the market for 5G technology continues to grow. Prior to MARL, he worked as an investment specialist at US Capital Global where he sourced and vetted investment opportunities in FinTech while leading company due diligence processes. Amir founded LendTech in 2016 with the intent to revolutionize the consumer experience in the banking industry. Prior to this, he was a management consultant who led countless companies from the brink of bankruptcy to success. Amir spoke with SHACK15’s Journal about his work and passions.

SHACK15: Can you talk about your background and your work as a deep tech investor ?

Khan: Like many others in the startup world, I have worn various hats throughout my career. When I started as a founder, I built fintech products for the banking industry, then transitioned into investment banking helping lower middle market companies raise capital, and eventually became a venture capitalist (VC). However, it was during my time in investment banking that I discovered my true passion for supporting early-stage founders in the process of building their companies. I missed the excitement, the passion, and the "can-do” attitude that comes with this stage of entrepreneurship.

Driven by this realization, I made the decision to establish an accelerator fund. My goal is to support and guide founders in building the next generation of technology companies. It's incredibly fulfilling for me to be part of their journey, providing the necessary resources, mentorship, and access to opportunities they need to succeed. To date, we have invested in 55 startups that focus on using AI to solve complex problems, helping our seniors age in place, protect everyday individuals in ride-sharing, helping our fields produce more yield, and sustainable recycling of battery materials. We back founders with passion and grit to solve the world’s complex problems.

SHACK15: What is your projection for the development of AI and machine learning?

Khan: In my opinion, experts are projecting significant advancements in AI and machine learning, specifically in the areas of natural language processing, computer vision, and speech recognition. These advancements are expected to bring about transformative changes across industries such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and transportation, that result in improved efficiency and better decision-making. However, as exciting it is to think about amazing technological advancement, it is also important to address concerns related to job displacement, ethical implications, and the need for effective regulation. We will need to manage these concerns while ongoing research and innovation continue to drive progress in areas like explainable AI, AI ethics, and the development of new algorithms. We have already witnessed the impact of AI in our daily lives with virtual assistants like Alexa, Amazon Shopping, Chat GPT, and the evolving autonomous vehicles. We’re well on our way to AI being an integral part of how we live our lives.

SHACK15: What's the most exciting project you are working on?

Khan: In Indian culture, we love and respect our elders. We’re expected to care for our aging family members at home. After moving here, I learned about the concept of senior homes and that many older people in the US live in senior homes. When you think about the US and other developed nations having a whole post-WW2 generation that is retiring this decade or currently retired (about 400 million ), the utility of senior homes makes more sense. The high aging population, combined with a labor shortage in the care industry, has become an and will continue to be a huge challenge.

About 1.5 years ago, I met Aparna Pujar, the founder of Zemplee. Aparna has been part of the Silicon Valley technology ecosystem for a couple of decades, building products for eBay, Google, and Apple. Her mother, based in Bengaluru, India, reached a point  where she needed more support and Aparna knew she couldn't provide it personally 9000 miles away. So, she did what any technologist would do: she built a tech product to ensure she could monitor her mother receiving proper care in India. I am truly inspired by how she then extended this product to share it with others.

Today, Zemplee is used by over 10,000 happy seniors and is available in the US and Europe, covered by any insurance provider here. I am extremely proud to be an advisor to her and Zemplee, and I am dedicated to helping Zemplee grow into a Fortune 500 company.

SHACK15: What are some other projects out there that inspire you every day?

Khan: The UN predicts that our world will have 10 Billion people by 2050. That means billions more mouths to feed, and who need adequate shelter, clothes, healthcare, transportation and employment. We are at critical point, where we as a society, have to make highly sustainable choices to keep the planet and humans healthy. For me, the most inspiring projects are the ones working on solving these types of challenges with the help of technology and AI. Here are a few examples below:

1. SenseGrass: Utilizing satellite imagery, sensors, and artificial intelligence, SenseGrass offers a soil intelligence system that empowers farmers with data-driven insights into soil health. By optimizing fertilizer and water usage based on this information, farmers can improve crop yields while minimizing environmental impact.

2. DisplayRide: With its AI-powered rideshare monitoring platform, DisplayRide aims to enhance safety during rides by deterring and documenting undesirable incidents. By creating a secure environment for passengers, drivers, and rideshare companies, DisplayRide contributes to a more reliable and trustworthy rideshare experience.

3. AgroBot: By developing autonomous agricultural robots that leverage AI and computer vision, AgroBot revolutionizes farming processes. These robots monitor crop health, apply targeted treatments, and increase overall efficiency, leading to improved productivity and sustainability in food production.

4. SmartFabrics: Pioneering the development of advanced textiles embedded with sensors and actuators, SmartFabrics brings innovation to healthcare and wellness industries. These intelligent fabrics can monitor vital signs, detect health conditions, and even provide therapeutic interventions, transforming the way we approach healthcare and well-being.

5. CleanMobility: Committed to sustainable transportation, CleanMobility focuses on the development of electric and autonomous vehicles. By incorporating AI algorithms and renewable energy sources, they strive to reduce carbon emissions and enhance urban mobility for a greener future.

6. NanoMedTech: Dedicated to personalized medicine and targeted drug delivery, NanoMedTech pioneers nanotechnology-based solutions. Their research and development efforts aim to improve treatment efficacy, minimize side effects, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

7. GreenEnergyTech: GreenEnergyTech specializes in renewable energy solutions, including advanced solar panels and energy storage systems. By integrating AI algorithms and smart grid technologies, they optimize energy production and consumption, making significant contributions to a more sustainable and eco-friendly world.

These are just a handful of startups; there are hundreds of thousands of brilliant individuals working tirelessly to solve the crises we are inevitably heading towards.

SHACK15: What is a fun fact about yourself?

Khan: On a lighter note, I have a fascinating passion project outside of the world of venture capital—I own a small mezcal distillery in Oaxaca, Mexico. Crafting mezcal (and tasting it) brings me immense joy. So, when you have the chance, let's share a cup of mezcal together. As they say in the mountains of Oaxaca, "Para todo mal, mezcal; para todo bien, también." (For everything bad, mezcal; and for everything good, too.)