Simulations need real physical data

What if the biggest opportunity in AI isn’t intelligence—but the missing data layer for the physical world? In this episode, I sit down with Daniel Jacker, CEO and Co-Founder of ZaiNar, to discuss why physical AI could become a $50 trillion market and the infrastructure required to make it work. Daniel explains how turning wireless networks into a real-time sensing layer unlocks entirely new capabilities across industries, why the absence of physical-world data is the biggest bottleneck in AI today, and how his company spent nearly a decade in stealth building a foundational technology before scaling. We also explore swarm intelligence, robotics, and where value will accrue as AI moves from digital to physical environments.

Highlights:

• Why physical AI lacks the equivalent of the internet’s data layer
• How wireless networks can become a global sensing system
• What most people misunderstand about robotics and automation
• Why swarm intelligence matters more than individual robots
• How ZaiNar stayed in stealth for nine years while building a moat
• Where value accrues in AI beyond applications and models
• The real bottleneck preventing AI from entering the physical world
• Why data, not robots, may be the biggest investment opportunity

Guest Bio:

Daniel Jacker is the CEO and Co-Founder of ZaiNar, a 5G positioning technology company focused on real-time, high-precision location intelligence for physical AI applications. He earned his MBA from Stanford GSB and is a General Partner at Magic City, a seed fund backing Stanford founders, as well as an active mentor at StartX and other leading accelerators. Prior to ZaiNar, he worked at Accenture on emerging technology strategy and founded The 3D Printing Company.

Are you interested in sponsoring the How I Invest Podcast? Please email David Weisburd at david@weisburdcapital.com.

We’d like to thank AlphaSense for sponsoring this episode!

Sponsor:

AlphaSense is the AI-powered market intelligence platform trusted by 85% of the S&P 100, helping investment professionals make faster, more confident, data-driven decisions. Built for hedge funds, asset allocators, private venture capital firms, and investment bankers, AlphaSense uses advanced AI and powerful search across premium proprietary content to surface the insights that matter most—before the market moves. Elevate your research and stay ahead of the competition. Visit https://www.alpha-sense.com/howiinvest/ to learn more.

Stay Connected with David Weisburd:

X/Twitter: @dweisburd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Weisburd Capital: https://www.weisburdcapital.com/

Stay Connected with Daniel Jacker:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-jacker/

Questions or topics you want us to discuss on How I Invest? Email us at david@weisburdcapital.com.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to participate in any investment strategy. All opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Weisburd Capital. Participants may hold positions or have financial interests in the companies, funds, or investments discussed. Any references to specific investments are for illustrative purposes only. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Any third-party data or opinions have not been independently verified. Listeners should conduct their own research and consult their own advisors before making any investment decisions.

(0:00) The $50 Trillion Market Most Investors Still Don’t Understand (1:28) Why Physical AI Isn’t Just About Robots (3:07) The $120M Mistake Happening on Construction Sites Today (5:40) How They Turn Wireless Signals Into a “God View” of Reality (9:00) The Physics Breakthrough That Makes This Possible (12:38) How They Recruited World-Class Talent While in Stealth (17:09) Why They Stayed Quiet for 9 Years (And Why It Worked) (23:10) The Missing Dataset Blocking the Future of AI (31:48) Why Robots Will Work in Swarms, Not Alone (40:41) Where Smart Investors Should Actually Bet in Physical AI