Chris Nagy

KongXLM = Virtual LMM Let me frame something that hit me. In 1994, the internet was broken. Internet traffic moved through a handful of major exchange points: MAE-East, MAE-West, CIX, FIX, Sprint in Pennsauken, NJ and a few others. No single backbone had all the users or all the destinations. If an AOL user wanted software from Apple.com, the request might start on UUNet, AOL's carrier, then get handed to MCI, Apple’s carrier, and continue hopping across networks. Traffic crossed congested peering points and routing was often inefficient. We built SAVVIS. Instead of relying on the public internet to decide where traffic should go, we built five PNAPs (Private Network Access Points). We purchased direct OC3 connections into Sprint, MCI, UUNet, WorldCom, BBN Planet and other major carriers. Then we pulled in the BGP4 routing tables and made routing decisions ourselves. If a customer wanted Apple.com, we sent traffic directly out through the optimal path. Then we connected our PNAPs together with our own ATM backbone and carried traffic faster than the carriers themselves. Most carriers relied heavily on traditional routing infrastructure. We optimized around switching and direct path selection. We would move traffic across our network and drop it off at the PNAP closest to the destination. It became the fastest backbone on the internet. The pitch was simple: Why buy a connection to one carrier when you can connect to SAVVIS and get direct access to everyone? SAVVIS grew to roughly 5,000 employees. It sold for $100M. Three months later it went public at a $3B valuation. Then later sold again to CenturyLink for $7.9B. Now ask yourself: Does any of this sound familiar? KongXLM is solving almost the exact same problem 32 years later. AI today looks a lot like the internet did back then. No single model has all the intelligence. OpenAI has strengths. Claude has strengths. Gemini has strengths. Specialized models, APIs, agents, analysts, algorithms and live data systems all have strengths. Yet most products force users to choose one model at a time. Pick your model. Run your query. Hope you chose correctly. Kong does something different. We orchestrate across models simultaneously. We compare, synthesize, route, enrich and optimize in real time. We train differently. Traditional LMMs train on books, tokens and datasets. We train on models, live APIs, analysts, algorithms, agents, swarms and real-world systems. People will argue we are not an LMM. Maybe they are right. Maybe we are something new. A Virtual LMM. A higher-order intelligence layer that sits above the models themselves. SAVVIS became the control plane for internet traffic. KongXLM is becoming the control plane for intelligence. Feels like a bullseye to me.

2

Excited to announce our recent collaboration with Sundial Media & Technology Group for the ESSENCE-branded FAST channel. This partnership embodies our commitment to serving underrepresented audiences with authentic content and substantial growth opportunities. The landscape is evolving rapidly, with Black viewership on streaming platforms increasing by 40% annually. Despite this surge, tailored programming for Black women remains limited on major CTV and digital platforms. Our initiative goes beyond filling this void; we are establishing a dedicated cultural hub. By merging ESSENCE's 55-year legacy as the voice of Black women with our production and distribution expertise, we are poised to expand our impact significantly. Partnering with a brand that attracts over 500,000 attendees annually to the largest Black culture festival ensures access to a highly engaged consumer base with proven loyalty and purchasing power. The game-changing aspect lies in our development of direct distribution channels. Ownership of distribution is pivotal as it allows us to deliver genuine content directly to the intended audiences, bypassing intermediaries. This move enables us to seamlessly transition the festival enthusiasm and community spirit into year-round premium content on Connected TV, YouTube, and major FAST platforms. What sets this endeavor apart is our focus on creating sustainable revenue streams for Black women creatives while establishing direct connections with culturally involved and economically active audiences. This isn't merely a channel launch; it's about fostering economic empowerment and steering the narrative from creation to distribution. It's about distribution rooted in and driven by the culture. #StreamingStrategy #Partnership #femalecreators #CTV #DigitalMedia #HARTBEAT #ESSENCE #Distribution Source: [Link to the article](https://lnkd.in/gcqXvr9H)

139

28 Comments

If this is possible today, imagine 2026. 🤯 Visuals: 100% AI. Audio: 100% AI. We built this entirely in-house at OmniVinci to test the absolute limits of current generative video tech. No cameras, no actors, just our workflow. For brands, this isn't just a novelty anymore. It’s now the most efficient way to produce high-end, scroll-stopping creative without the Hollywood production budget. The tools are finally ready for commercial use. See our latest client work: omnivinci.com #GenerativeAI #VFX #DigitalMarketing #Advertising #TechTrends #OmniVinci

32

6 Comments

The slide that almost no one includes in a film deck — but every serious investor expects — is the Risk Factors and Reality Check disclosure. Independent film presentations often emphasize upside, projections, and creative potential, but real capital partners want acknowledgment of risk, uncertainty, and operational variables. Schedules shift, costs move, distribution outcomes are not guaranteed, talent availability changes, and returns are never promised. Including a clear disclosure statement does not weaken the opportunity. It strengthens credibility, demonstrates financial discipline, and signals respect for investor capital and professional standards. In institutional finance, this level of transparency is expected. In independent film, it is still uncommon — and that needs to change. CAST DISCLOSURE The cast listed here represents preferred and targeted talent at various stages of outreach. In some cases, we are in contact with agents or representatives; in others, no direct communication has yet occurred. No guarantees or confirmations are implied. All participation remains subject to availability, scheduling, negotiation, and fully executed agreements. Any confirmed cast will be announced separately from this presentation.

51

12 Comments

Radiohead has an immersive exhibit and 75 min film Kid A Mensia Motion Picture House at the Brooklyn Navy Yard (Agger Fish Building). This experience premiered a few weeks ago at Coachella. The exhibit is a sonic and visual exploration of unreleased material and shares Radiohead’s deep well of creativity and innovation. The film is animated figures finding their way through a surreal world. Audience members sit, sprawl, any lay down as the film is projected on four walls simultaneously. The overall experience is an antidote to the immersive Van Gogh exhibits. It uses Sphere-like immersion tech; And similar to ABBA Voyage it is created and developed for super-fans.

20

2 Comments

BRAND SUICIDE AND HOW TO PREVENT IT-A HEAD FOR BUSINESS USA GLOBAL TV® & RADIO PRESENTS A HEAD FOR BUSINESS HOSTED BY DR. JACALYN KERBECK & AL CINI FEATURED GUEST LISA MANYOKY 09 APRIL 2026 EPISODE 2026-03 DESCRIPTION Brand damage rarely happens overnight. It is usually the result of small decisions, ignored signals, and leadership blind spots that compound over time. In this episode of A Head for Business, Dr. Jacalyn Kerbeck and Al Cini break down what brand suicide actually looks like inside organizations—from tone-deaf messaging and inconsistent leadership to customer disconnect and internal culture breakdowns. This is a direct discussion about how companies lose trust, how fast it can happen, and why recovery is far more difficult than prevention. The conversation also focuses on what leaders must do differently: aligning communication, maintaining brand integrity across every touchpoint, and recognizing early warning signs before reputational damage becomes irreversible. If you are building, scaling, or protecting a brand, this episode addresses the decisions that either strengthen your position—or quietly destroy it. ABOUT DR. JACALYN® Dr. Jacalyn® is the Founder, President, and Chief Listening Officer of USA GLOBAL TV® & RADIO and the creator of Elevated Listening™. Known as The Listening Mentor®, she is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author, international speaker, and executive coach. Her work focuses on transforming communication, strengthening leadership, and elevating how individuals and organizations connect, both on and off camera. ABOUT AL CINI Al Cini is a seasoned business leader and strategist with decades of experience across corporate leadership, operations, and advisory roles. He is known for his direct approach to identifying business inefficiencies, improving decision-making, and helping organizations execute with clarity and accountability. CONTACT DR. JACALYN® USA GLOBAL TV® & RADIO http://usaglobaltv.com http://drjacalyn.com https://lnkd.in/eV-Fg__v Order Dr. Kerbeck's books here: https://amzn.to/47pfm9R CONTACT AL CINI Business Inquiries: Available upon request through USA GLOBAL TV® & RADIO SUBSCRIBE USA GLOBAL TV® & RADIO https://lnkd.in/ey88EVsu Dr. Jacalyn Kerbeck https://lnkd.in/etDsZ44j #AHeadForBusiness#DrJacalynKerbeck#AlCini#USAGlobalTV#BrandStrategy#Leadership#BusinessGrowth#ReputationManagement#BrandIntegrity#ExecutiveLeadership

6

#TikTok has finalized its U.S. restructuring with a new “TikTok USDS Joint Venture.” Here’s what the deal changes (and doesn’t), who owns what, and what it means for data security, creators, and advertising.

2

Exciting news at our upfront lunch today: Canela Media is entering the micro-dramas market with the launch of the ZULLY app. Check out Isabel Rafferty Zavala's note below.

8

1 Comment

Strong Branding Drives ROI in Themed Entertainment by Alex M. Calle @alexmcalle For investors evaluating themed entertainment properties, one factor consistently drives outsized returns: a strong, strategic brand. More than aesthetics, branding directly influences key financial metrics—guest engagement, per-capita spending, and long-term monetization. Branded experiences like Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge deliver up to 30–50% higher per-capita spend compared to non-branded equivalents. Guests are not only more likely to visit, but also to spend on premium merchandise, food, and add-ons—boosting average daily yield. Branded attractions also show higher return visitation rates, increasing lifetime value (LTV) per customer. From an investment lens, brand equity reduces acquisition cost per visitor (CPV) through organic word-of-mouth and built-in fanbases. A strong brand also supports cross-platform IP monetization, with licensed products, media tie-ins, and digital extensions contributing to revenue diversification and margin protection. In contrast, unbranded or weakly branded attractions often struggle with guest loyalty and revenue predictability, making them riskier investments with flatter growth curves. Smart investors look beyond CAPEX and foot traffic—they assess brand depth, scalability, and transmedia potential. A strong brand doesn’t just enhance a themed experience—it multiplies its financial upside and resilience. #themedentertainmentassociation #themedentertainmentdesigner #themedentertainmentindustry #themedentertainmentdesign #themedentertainment #artdepartment #stagedesign #productiondesigner #artdirection #themepark #setdesigner #productiondesign #production #productioncompany #setdesign #design #artdirector #themeparkdesign #CreativeJourney #Storytelling #Innovation #artist #themeparkdesigner #alexmcalle

9

Media's AI crisis has generated two main conclusions: 1. Legacy media companies should cut deals with tech companies to salvage something from unauthorized IP use. 2. Investing in AI will eventually let them cut production costs by replacing humans with robots. Both miss the larger, more interesting (imho) question: who is actually making content in 20 years? https://lnkd.in/dqS6AzYC

7

Here's a clip from my exclusive interview with PJ Accetturo, the advertising world's top AI disruptor, discussing the "AI production process" - which he describes as being not that dissimilar to the traditional production process. PJ (also known as PJ Ace in AI/creative circles) is founder and CEO of leading AI creative studio and ad agency Genre.ai, which is backed by Silicon Valley heavy hitters (but is led by a seasoned team of accomplished writers and directors). My full interview with PJ comes out next Tuesday, February 3rd, exclusively on my new "the brAIn" podcast series. SIGN UP FOR IT HERE - https://lnkd.in/gtsk8AH8 In the full episode, PJ and I discuss: (1) Why he turned down the opportunity to produce a massive Super Bowl ad; (2) How Genre AI broke out with its AI-hyper fueled ad for prediction market, Kalshi – an ad that was viewed tens of millions of times. Since then, Oracle, popeyes, Qatar Airways, and other big brands have chosen Genre – and now, so do major #Hollywood studios. You’ll learn why (hint: it’s a race to quality; not to the bottom); (3) AI’s power to slash production costs & time-frames, without sacrificing quality. PJ takes us through the overall production process, and where AI shines. But he also points out AI’s limitations; and (4) The unchallenged power and role of human creativity for high quality ideation, pre and post-production. PJ’s team includes top directors and talent from #film & #television — critical differentiators from other #AI studios. It's a fascinating and candid no-holds-barred discussion - all in 35 minutes. #artificialintelligence #marketing #advertising

2

Does independent film point the way forward for AA game development? T-Minus Zero Entertainment is betting yes. The CEO, Zachary Beaudoin, announced that the company is transitioning to an independent, film-inspired financing mode where they take on different investors for specific projects at specific phases. By breaking up the financing, it de-risks the project for the investor while also leaving the IP in the hands of T-Minus Zero. I’m curious to see how this affects distribution and marketing of the title (if at all). We’ve seen this before, where a specific publisher will help out in a region (like the U.S.). The key will be orchestrating the various partners to ensure the marketing is localized - not fragmented. The key will be the creative and the game they create ultimately.

3

3 Comments

From fast-casual rollouts to digital-first models, investors see both promise & pressure in the restaurant space. With food & labor costs rising, operators are rethinking models while investors chase scalable, tech-enabled concepts. In HUB’s Industry Insights series, Zach Kuperman from our Private Equity team shares perspective on what’s driving deals & how operators can position for growth. 👇 Learn more about HUB Private Equity Insurance & connect with our team: https://ow.ly/KeZu30sRnQ6 #PrivateEquity #Restaurants #IndustryInsights

8

1 Comment

Welcome to the licensing squeeze. Bloomberg’s piece exposes what many in the U.S. venue scene are now living: ✅ Soaring licensing fees, ✅ A growing list of PROs, ✅ And a broken system where the cost doesn’t guarantee the creator gets paid. But here's the global angle: 🌍 As U.S. debates spill into policy and tech influence, the ripple effect could reach other markets — especially where new tech like Audoo is setting precedent for data-based rights collection. Is it time to rethink how we license music in public spaces — and how we value those who create it? 📎 Read the full piece (paywall): Bloomberg #MusicRights #LicensingCrisis #CreatorEconomy #Audoo #MusicPolicy #StreamingRoyalties #PublicPerformance #MusicTech Gadi OronAlexander Wolf

3

2 Comments

Vine invented short-form video. Vessel invented the creator paywall. Machinima invented the multi-channel network. (And all three are gone) They weren't built around a bad idea, they had a timing problem. Machinima had creators clamoring to join the network. Acquisition offers of $400–500M were on the table in 2012. They passed. The market shifted. Creator relations collapsed. Original programming bled cash. A company that could have defined the creator economy became a cautionary tale. Maker Studios looked at the same moment and sold. Perfect timing. Massive outcome. This pattern plays out over and over and it's rarely discussed. Vessel raised $75M+ and locked creators into an exclusivity model where they controlled the first distribution window. The idea was sound. The timing wasn't. In 2015, fans expected YouTube for free and 'early access' wasn't enough to change that. Vessel didn't fail because the idea was wrong. It failed because it arrived before the market was ready for it. Patreon and Nebula launched later after creators had built deeper direct relationships, and after fans had developed the identity and belonging that makes people want to pay. Same general concept. Different moment. Different result. Vine invented short-form viral video. Created the first generation of internet-native stars. Then died because it launched before monetization infrastructure existed, trapped creators in a format they'd outgrown, and became an afterthought inside Twitter. Musical.ly launched into a more mature mobile ecosystem, built around participation and remix culture, evolved aggressively, and became TikTok. Vine proved short-form video worked. TikTok proved it could dominate the world. When people debate which creator economy companies "won" or "lost," they focus on exits, product decisions, leadership, and strategy. Those things matter. But they're downstream of one variable almost no one names: Timing. Not just being early. Not just being late. Being in the right relationship with the market's readiness and having the discipline to read that signal correctly. The companies that built lasting legacies weren't always the most innovative. They were the ones who knew what moment they were actually in. What's a timing lesson, from your own career or the companies you've watched, that more people should be talking about?

35

10 Comments

AI video is evolving at lightning speed, and the lines between authentic user-generated content and AI-created entertainment are becoming increasingly blurred. According to Business Insider, it’s even got global superstar creators like MrBeast running scared. And it’s not hard to see why. A recent viral trend showed videos of a young boy feeding gummy bears to an alligator on his doorstep, supposedly caught on a Ring camera. In just 24 hours, this version amassed over 15 million views and thousands of debates about whether it was real. The truth? Entirely AI-generated. This begs the question: are audiences engaging with this video because the subject resonates, or to prove its AI? One thing is for sure: as AI technologies advance, the challenge for those who choose to publish real videos over AI is how they distinguish, protect, and communicate the difference between authentic moments and synthetic entertainment. The future of content may not be one or the other; it’s both. The key will be helping audiences understand what they’re seeing, while ensuring creators are recognised and protected. How do you think the industry should manage this new era of mixed-reality content? Read the Business Insider article here https://lnkd.in/eUAT_2-2 #AI #Creator #UGC #VideoLicensing

12

3 Comments

91% of music released today is independent. But most chart-topping Latin hits still come from major label ecosystems. Why? Because scale matters. Majors bring infrastructure, playlists, marketing...and now they’re partnering with top indie-born stars (Bizarrap, Bad Bunny, Quevedo). Meanwhile, smart indies use lean strategies, data, and global networks to punch above their weight. In 2025, the smartest players will be hybrid: agile like indies, powerful like majors. Are you building the right alliances? #IndieArtists #MajorLabels #LatinMusic #MusicIndustry #ArtistStrategy

5

3 critical signs a brand is worth acquiring beyond revenue... In this 15M Mastery episode, I sit down with Reid Rooney, CEO and co-founder of Betsperts Media & Technology Group. Together, we explore how to grow through smart acquisitions in today's fragmented betting and sports media market. Here's what you'll learn: • The overlooked cultural component that can make or break your acquisition strategy (and why Intel once cancelled a deal because of this exact factor) • Why rushing post-acquisition changes is silently killing your ROI (and the counterintuitive approach that builds stronger user loyalty instead) • The acquisition trap even experienced media groups fall into when entering operator markets (and how to avoid these costly miscalculations) This episode is perfect for iGaming entrepreneurs and investors looking to build sustainable growth through acquisitions without alienating the very communities that make these brands valuable. Check the comments to find the episode. What's your approach to maintaining brand authenticity when integrating newly acquired businesses?

17

1 Comment