On this episode of Invested, Michael Eisenberg sits down with Ami Daniel, co-founder and CEO of Windward, for a deep dive into one of the most important global trade chokepoints: the Straits of Hormuz.
In this urgent conversation, Michael and Ami unpack how the closure and disruption of the Straits of Hormuz could affect the global economy, oil prices, LNG and LPG exports, container shipping, fertilizers, steel, food supply chains, and the future of maritime security. Drawing on Ami’s expertise in maritime AI and naval strategy, he explores why the Strait of Hormuz is far more than an oil story, and why its disruption impacts nearly every country, industry, and consumer in the world.
They discuss:
-
Why the Straits of Hormuz matter to global trade
-
How Iran’s actions could reshape shipping routes, energy markets, and maritime logistics
-
The role of naval power, mines, drones, and maritime chokepoints
-
The ripple effects on Europe, Asia, developing markets, and the wider global economy
-
Why this crisis could have lasting implications for inflation, supply chains, and geopolitical stability
Ami Daniel is the Co-founder & CEO of Windward, a leading Maritime AI company transforming global trade through predictive intelligence and big data analytics. As a former naval officer, he brings deep maritime expertise and a passion for AI-driven risk management, compliance, and operational optimization.
Under his leadership, Windward has pioneered AI solutions for governments, financial institutions, and commercial entities. His insights on maritime AI, sanctions, and supply chain resilience have been featured in major publications, including The New York Times, The Economist, and Financial Times.
If you want to understand the intersection of geopolitics, maritime trade, oil markets, shipping intelligence, and global risk, this episode is essential viewing.
Please rate this episode 5 stars wherever you stream your podcasts!
KEY TOPICS
00:00 - Intro
02:22 - “Not Just Oil” – Everything Is Hit
05:29 - Why Nobody Stopped Iran Earlier
07:40 - Mines, Drones, and Maritime Warfare
09:10 - Can Anyone Actually Reopen Hormuz?
09:20 - $500M Cargo Trips Becoming Normal
10:15 - Suicide Boats vs Global Trade
12:03 - Fuel Shortages Spreading Globally
12:50 - Modern Piracy: Iran’s Cash Playbook
14:30 - Hundreds of Ships Trapped in Gulf
15:40 - “Everything Is Stuck” – Global Supply Shock
19:38 - Why Oil Can’t Be Replaced
21:40 - US Quietly Allows Sanctioned Oil Trade
30:20 - 80% of Iranian Oil Goes to China
41:35 - One Mine Can Shut Global Trade Again
RESOURCES
Follow Ami Daniel on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amidaniel/
Learn more about Windward: https://windward.ai/
More from Windward research:
Iran War at Sea: How the Conflict Is Disrupting Global Trade and Energy
Strait of Hormuz Shipping Falls After Insurance Pullback
Bulk Carriers Find New Route Out of Hormuz Strait
Subscribe to Invested: https://content.aleph.vc/invested
Learn more about Aleph: aleph.vc
Sign up for Aleph’s monthly email newsletter: https://newsletter.aleph.vc/
Subscribe to Aleph’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@aleph-vc/
Follow Michael on Twitter: twitter.com/mikeeisenberg
Follow Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mieisenberg/
Follow Aleph on Twitter: https://x.com/aleph?s=20
Follow Aleph on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aleph-vc/
Follow Aleph on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aleph.vc/
CREDITS
Executive Producer: Erica Marom
Producer: Sofi Levak, Dalit Merenfeld, Myron Shneider
Video and Editing: Nadav Elovic
Music and Creative Direction: Uri Ar
Content and Editorial: Jackie Goldberg
Design: Nimrod Sapir
Invested by Aleph