Founders Future

From Fractional CMO to AI CEO: Dave Makin’s Unconventional Startup Journey

Closers.io

In this episode of Founders Future, host Ammar Elm sits down with Dave Makin, Co-Founder & CEO of Ex Machina AI Solutions, to explore his innovative AI-driven platform designed to serve as an "artificial boardroom" for businesses. Dave shares how his background in marketing and fractional CMO work led him to develop Olympus OS—a system that combines specialized AI agents (like a CMO, CFO, and CEO) to help entrepreneurs and companies make smarter decisions. Unlike generic AI tools, Olympus OS challenges assumptions, debates strategic options internally, and provides foresight into potential outcomes, all while keeping pricing accessible for small businesses.

Dave opens up about the challenges of messaging in an AI-skeptical market, emphasizing that his platform is built to augment human decision-making, not replace it. He also discusses his go-to-market strategy, from leveraging LinkedIn and paid ads to building a network of consultants who can onboard users. With early adopters already seeing 100% revenue growth, Dave’s vision is to scale Ex Machina AI Solutions into a must-have tool for solopreneurs and enterprises alike—before eventually positioning it for acquisition.