On this week’s episode of Akoni Tech Talks: The Dubai Mini-Series, we had the pleasure of welcoming Mehmet Gonullu, host of The CTO Show and founder of Yassi Ventures. Mehmet shared his fascinating journey into technology, insights into the evolving tech landscape, and his passion for bridging the gap between business and innovation. 

A Lifelong Fascination with Technology 

Mehmet’s story with technology started long before IT was even a buzzword. As a child, he was captivated by electronics and, later, computers. By the time he reached university in the early 2000s, the internet was rapidly emerging as a transformative force, particularly in the Middle East. This spark of curiosity led Mehmet to study computer engineering, marking the beginning of what would become a 24-year career in technology. 

For Mehmet, technology has always been a catalyst for progress. “It’s something that pushes us forward,” he reflected, “helping us achieve a better life.” From the early days of the internet to the rise of smartphones, social media, and now AI, he has not only witnessed pivotal tech moments but has also anticipated their transformative potential. 

Navigating Challenges in Tech and Start-ups 

Reflecting on his journey, Mehmet emphasised patience as a key lesson learned. Early in his career, he struggled to understand why people were slow to adopt new technologies. Over time, he recognised the “adoption curve” – the natural progression from early adopters to the mainstream. “Once I understood this curve, it was no longer a challenge,” he explained. 

In the start-up world, Mehmet highlighted a similar challenge: the need for validation. Founders often believe passionately in their ideas but must be prepared for scepticism and rejection. “The market doesn’t always align with your vision immediately,” Mehmet noted. His advice? Engage with customers early, validate your ideas, and remain adaptable. 

The Importance of Bridging Tech and Business 

Though trained as an engineer, Mehmet’s curiosity drove him to explore the business side of technology. He recognised the need for technical professionals to understand sales, marketing, and customer needs. “It’s not just about building cool technology,” he explained. “It’s about solving real problems and speaking the language of the business.” 

This philosophy shaped Mehmet’s approach to mentoring start-ups. He encourages founders to focus on the problems they’re solving rather than the technology itself. By blending deep technical knowledge with business acumen, Mehmet has become a trusted adviser in helping start-ups craft strategies that resonate with their target markets. 

Insights into Emerging Technologies 

As we discussed the future of tech, Mehmet expressed excitement about AI, particularly generative AI and its potential to transform industries. “We’re just scratching the surface,” he said. He also pointed to the promise of quantum computing and the convergence of AI with other technologies like blockchain and IoT. 

Mehmet’s enthusiasm extended to the concept of AI agents – autonomous systems capable of performing tasks on behalf of users. “This is the next big thing,” he remarked. “It will fundamentally change how we work and live.” 

The Journey to The CTO Show 

Mehmet’s passion for knowledge sharing led him to create The CTO Show, a podcast dedicated to bridging the gap between tech and business. What started as a solo venture quickly evolved into a platform for collaborative learning, featuring insights from leaders across the tech ecosystem. “It’s my way of giving back,” Mehmet said. With over 400 episodes, the podcast has become a valuable resource for anyone navigating the intersection of technology and business. 

The Power of Knowledge Sharing 

For Mehmet, the tech ecosystem thrives on collaboration. By sharing insights, challenges, and lessons learned, professionals can drive innovation and build stronger communities. “Knowledge sharing is essential,” he emphasised. “It’s how we grow, both individually and collectively.” 

Listeners can stay tuned for more inspiring conversations with industry leaders in future episodes of the Dubai Mini Series Podcast. Tune in to Akoni Tech Talks for the full conversation – available on Spotify Podcasts,Apple Podcasts and YouTube.