Build Carolina grads take flight with Chipp for an AI hackathon in London

 

Imagine this.

You take a huge risk by enrolling in a full-time bootcamp to learn to code so you can become a professional software developer. In your search for your first role, you are offered an internship position with a startup working with AI. You are in a team meeting during your initial weeks with them, and they ask if you have a passport. Within a week, you pack your bags and board a plane to London for a Mistral AI hackathon. This is the story of Valentina Valverde and Ryan McGatha, graduates of our full-time web development program. You’ll also learn about Chipp’s mission as a no-code AI chat builder and the importance of mentorship for early-career developers.

Hunter Hodnett, CTO and co-founder of Chipp emphasized the value of accessibility in AI and its positive impact on junior developers, highlighting their hackathon projects and the fun moments they had in London. Overall, it was a great conversation about the importance of collaboration and community support in South Carolina’s tech ecosystem!

PS: Check out some photos from their trip below!

Takeaways

  • Chipp AI aims to make AI accessible to everyone.

  • Internships can lead to unexpected opportunities.

  • Mentorship is crucial for early career development.

  • AI can empower junior developers rather than replace them.

  • Building a portfolio is essential for tech careers.

  • The hackathon in London was a significant experience.

  • Networking can lead to valuable connections and opportunities. Cultural experiences can shape our perspectives on business.

  • Chess serves as a metaphor for strategic thinking in business.

  • Building relationships is crucial for creating opportunities.

  • Community plays a vital role in the tech ecosystem.

  • Hiring junior talent is essential for future growth.

  • Infrastructure improvements are necessary for regional growth.

  • Networking can lead to unexpected opportunities.

  • The importance of mentorship in fostering new talent.

  • Understanding historical context can enhance our current strategies.

  • Staying open to possibilities can lead to greater success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chipp and Team Members

01:00 Understanding Chipp’s Mission and Purpose

02:04 The London Trip: Origin and Purpose

03:13 Journey to Chipp: Intern Experiences

06:22 Valentina's Journey and Growth

08:17 The Role of Mentorship in Early Career Development

10:15 Investing in Early Career Talent

12:32 AI's Impact on Junior Developers

14:09 Experiences of Junior Developers at Chipp

18:22 Hackathon Experience in London

20:51 Fun and Learning: Sightseeing in London

22:43 Cultural Insights from Travel

24:51 Lessons from the Museum: Chess as a Metaphor

28:34 Building Relationships and Opportunities

31:56 The Importance of Community in Tech

36:54 Navigating Growth and Infrastructure Challenges

38:55 Fostering Junior Talent for Future Success

“Do what matters.”
— Chipp tagline

About Chipp:

Chipp is on a mission to democratize AI, making it accessible for everyone, from individuals to businesses, to build, share, and sell AI applications without needing to code. Our platform empowers users to create sophisticated AI tools that boost productivity and foster innovation. Since our inception, we've enabled thousands to seamlessly integrate AI into their workflows, transforming advanced technology into a practical asset.

Company Story:

Chipp was born out of a necessity for flexible monetization. The founders, while developing their own AI apps, faced high OpenAI API costs and sought a credit-based payment solution. In a market dominated by subscription models, Chipp identified the need for a usage-based payment structure that aligns with actual customer usage. Our journey began with a simple idea: empower AI builders to monetize their creations and contribute to the AI ecosystem. We believe AI is a superpower, not a job killer, and our mission is to redefine app creation and monetization, making "AI for all" a reality. At Chipp, we are community builders and educators, striving to be the human face behind AI, helping users focus on what truly matters.

Chipp on social media:

Want to learn more about our work and how you can get involved? Email our engagement manager, Lauren, at lauren@buildcarolina.org!

 
Lauren McGlamery