Ivan Braun

Most AI startups rely on OpenAI, Google, or Meta. I’ll show how to build powerful AI tools independently, using lean teams, self-hosted infrastructure, and a practical approach to product design. From bootstrapping to real-world deployment, this talk is a blueprint for those who want full control of their tech stack and business model.

This is the behind-the-scenes story of how Icons8 and Generated Photos reached millions of users without raising a single dollar of VC funding. I share lessons on hiring, product-market fit, monetization, and culture, built through trial, error, and persistence.

How do you grow a team to 150 without turning into a corporate mess? I’ll walk through the operating principles, hiring frameworks, and communication tactics that allowed us to scale while keeping autonomy, speed, and culture intact.