Founder’s Story: The Future of AI is Private – Gavin Whyte's Bold Vision at Brew AI | Ep. 191

Release Date: March 18, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 191 of IBH Media's Founder’s Story, host Daniel sits down with Gavin Whyte, the global CEO of Brew AI, to delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Gavin, with over a decade of experience in AI and a former Chief Scientist at Deloitte Australia, shares his insights on the future of AI, the pivotal role of private Large Language Models (LLMs), and how Brew AI is positioning itself at the forefront of this technological revolution.

Gavin's Journey into AI

Gavin's foray into artificial intelligence was unconventional. Initially passionate about designing clothing, a path divergent from his parents' retail background, Gavin's pivot to computer science and mathematics at university ignited his interest in AI. Reflecting on his transition, Gavin shares:

"When I was younger, I was actually a designer... I took computer science and mathematics and realized that I actually loved it. That's how I got into AI." ([03:24])

This blend of creativity and analytical prowess laid the foundation for his future endeavors in AI.

The Birth of Brew AI: Vision and Mission

After a storied tenure at Deloitte and KPMG, Gavin founded Brew AI with a clear mission: to harness the power of AI while prioritizing data privacy. He recounts the pivotal moment in 2019, inspired by Stanford's groundbreaking paper on neural nets, which spurred him to assemble a global team of researchers from esteemed institutions like Oxford University and the University of New South Wales.

"I set up a team of researchers around the globe... and that's how Brew AI evolved." ([07:22])

Public vs. Private Large Language Models (LLMs)

A central theme of the discussion revolves around the distinction between public and private LLMs. Gavin emphasizes the critical importance of data privacy for businesses:

"If you own a business and you want to keep your IP safe... sharing your data with open LLMs will only train that brain... But with private LLMs, we can encrypt the data and provide the same level of intelligence more accurately." ([09:27])

Brew AI specializes in developing private LLMs that offer robust security, ensuring that sensitive corporate data remains confidential while still leveraging the advanced capabilities of AI.

Addressing AI Hallucinations: A Breakthrough

One of the standout achievements of Brew AI is their significant reduction of AI hallucinations—instances where AI generates incorrect or fabricated information. Gavin proudly notes:

"We released a global mathematical paper on how to reduce hallucinations... we solved that problem. We have an extreme rate of hallucination reductions around, above the 90s." ([10:35])

This advancement not only enhances the reliability of AI outputs but also bolsters trust among corporate users who depend on accurate data.

AI Applications Across Industries

Gavin elaborates on the diverse applications of Brew AI’s technology across various sectors:

• Legal: Private LLMs analyze case laws, providing precise outcomes without exposing sensitive client data.

  "One of the largest law firms in Australia today uses our product." ([13:33])

• Finance and Accounting: Brew AI is pioneering tools that allow businesses to interact with their accounting systems using natural language, enabling instant cash flow predictions and seamless tax return preparations.

  "We are about to release an accounting and tax platform for small and medium businesses... it's like having your own accountant 24/7." ([27:23])

• Government: Ensuring citizen data safety and minimizing bias, Brew AI’s solutions are trusted by governmental bodies to provide secure and unbiased AI interactions.

The Future of AI: AGI and ASI

Exploring the broader horizons of AI, Gavin distinguishes between Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Artificial Superintelligence (ASI):

"AGI refers to an AI system with human-level intelligence... ASI is where it surpasses human intelligence in all areas." ([15:47])

He believes that AGI is approaching as AI systems grow more sophisticated, though ASI remains a longer-term possibility contingent on advancements like quantum computing.

Societal Impact of AI

Gavin paints an optimistic picture of AI’s role in enhancing human capabilities:

"AI is going to make us smarter, quicker, faster in our thought processes and make us wealthier." ([18:06])

He envisions AI automating mundane tasks, allowing humans to focus on meaningful interactions and creative endeavors, thereby improving overall quality of life.

Concerns and Ethical Considerations

While optimistic, Gavin does acknowledge potential risks, particularly in the realm of autonomous weaponry:

"The deep reasoning is going to get smarter and smarter... The biggest fear is autonomous weaponry." ([19:53])

He advocates for responsible AI development to prevent misuse while harnessing AI for societal good, such as advancing healthcare through preventive measures and personalized health recommendations.

AI Agents: Transforming Workflows

AI agents represent a significant evolution in how businesses operate. Gavin discusses their integration into workflows, particularly in accounting and auditing:

"An AI agent that's a senior auditor... they can analyze transactions 24/7 and alert humans to unusual activities." ([30:24])

These agents collaborate with human workers, enhancing productivity and ensuring high standards of accuracy and efficiency.

AI and Robotics: The Next Frontier

While Brew AI's primary focus remains on LLMs, Gavin touches upon the intersection of AI with robotics:

"Robotics and AI will make manufacturing easier, goods cheaper, and better quality outputs... they will help with tasks like cleaning and cooking." ([32:30])

He anticipates a future where AI-powered robots seamlessly integrate into daily life, further augmenting human capabilities.

Conclusion and Contact Information

As the conversation wraps up, Gavin reiterates Brew AI’s commitment to advancing AI responsibly and invites interested parties to connect:

"Our website is brewai.com. You can find me on LinkedIn or email me at gavin@brewai.com." ([22:37])

Gavin’s vision for Brew AI exemplifies the transformative potential of private AI solutions, balancing innovation with ethical considerations to shape a future where AI enhances human life without compromising privacy or security.

Key Quotes

• "Private LLMs ensure that your company's IP remains confidential while leveraging advanced AI capabilities." – Gavin Whyte ([09:27])

• "We achieved over 90% reduction in AI hallucinations, making our LLMs exceptionally reliable." – Gavin Whyte ([10:35])

• "AI is going to make us smarter, quicker, and wealthier, freeing us from mundane tasks." – Gavin Whyte ([18:06])

• "The biggest fear in AI is autonomous weaponry, but AI can greatly enhance healthcare and everyday life." – Gavin Whyte ([19:53])

Final Thoughts

This episode of Founder’s Story offers a comprehensive look into the visionary approach of Gavin Whyte and Brew AI. By prioritizing data privacy and tackling longstanding challenges in AI reliability, Brew AI stands at the cusp of redefining how businesses interact with artificial intelligence. Gavin’s insights underscore a future where AI not only augments human potential but does so responsibly and ethically, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between technology and humanity.

Connect with Gavin Whyte and Brew AI

• Website: brewai.com
• LinkedIn: Gavin Whyte
• Email: gavin@brewai.com

Tune in to Founder’s Story for more inspiring conversations with industry leaders shaping the future of entrepreneurship.