5 Companies Started in 2016
Learn from founders and CEOs who launched their businesses in 2016

Jeff Cardenas
Co-Founder & CEO
In this interview, Apptronik co-founder and CEO Jeff Cardenas outlines the rapid expansion of physical AI and humanoid robotics. Speaking at the Race Summit in Paris, he explains the three commercial phases of robotics, the significance of precision manipulation, and the role of their newly launched data factory, Robot Park. Cardenas also discusses Apptronik's NASA heritage, their modular robot Apollo 2, and the global race for robotics leadership between the United States and China.

Gaurav Jalan
Founder
In this interview, mPokket Founder and CEO Gaurav Jalan shares the inspiration behind building one of India's leading digital lending platforms for students and young professionals. He discusses entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, leadership, responsible credit, AI, work-life balance, and the importance of helping young people unlock their full potential.

George Hawwa
Growth Director & Founder
George Hawwa is the Founder and Managing Director of Attention Experts, a leading digital marketing agency. He specializes in social media advertising, audience targeting, and hyperlocal marketing strategies, helping businesses and event organizers generate stronger engagement, measurable ROI, and more effective digital campaigns.

Deepak Shukla
Founder & CEO, Pearl Lemon Group
In this interview, Deepak Shukla discusses how he bootstrapped Pearl Lemon from a small startup into a global remote-first agency group. He shares how embracing discomfort, uncertainty, and ambitious challenges helped shape his entrepreneurial mindset. Shukla also explains why hiring, training, and developing exceptional people are the foundations of sustainable growth, and how building high-performance remote teams can create a significant competitive advantage.

Anthony Denier
Group President & U.S. CEO
In this interview, Anthony Denier discusses leading Webull as a newly public company and building a global brokerage platform for sophisticated retail investors. He shares insights on scaling internationally, leveraging AI to improve investing decisions, and balancing innovation with transparency and trust. The conversation highlights customer-focused product development, global expansion, leadership through rapid growth, and how technology can empower investors to navigate increasingly complex financial markets.