Founder Interview: Daniel Keller, CEO and Co-founder of InFlux Technologies

1. What do you currently do and what’s your favorite part about it?

As the CEO of InFlux Technologies (Flux), I lead the world's largest decentralized compute network, with over 13,000 systems of administrators and enterprise nodes spanning 81 countries. What excites me most is working with disruptive technologies that are transforming industries in real time. I’m passionate about staying at the forefront of innovation, helping to foster growth, and supporting the development of groundbreaking technologies that have the potential to change how we live and work.

2. How did you get started with your Tech Career?

I started my tech journey in the healthcare and nonprofit sectors, where resources were limited, and I often had to innovate with minimal tools due to the high costs of technology. That experience taught me how to create impactful solutions with limited resources, a mindset I’ve carried throughout my career. It’s this focus on accessible, transformative technology that ultimately led me to what I do today with InFlux Technologies, where we are building solutions that empower people globally.

3. If Utopia were a color what color do you think it’d be and why?

I might be a bit biased, but I truly believe that Flux blue represents the ideal color for the future! What sets our product apart is that it’s designed with the everyday person in mind. Our motto, "for the people, by the people," drives everything we do. As we continue to develop this technology, we’re focused on making sure it evolves into the next version of the internet—one that is truly accessible and beneficial for everyone

4. If everything about HackerNoon changed drastically, what is one detail you’d like to keep exactly the same?  OR What’s your favorite thing to do with HackerNoon and why?

I wouldn’t change a thing! It’s awesome to dive into emerging technologies before they hit mainstream adoption. Focusing on the founders and the people behind the products is such a forward-thinking approach. Honestly, I’d keep it just the way it is—just make sure that the great interactions with developers and the team stay as engaging as ever on the blog!

5. Tell us more about the things you write/make/manage/build!

We’re building the technology delivery framework for the next evolution of the internet—which is pretty wild when you think about it. The internet has transformed drastically since its inception, and the original vision of it being a town square is long gone. Creating a system that doesn’t rely on massive data centers or big tech providers is a game-changer. It’s the key to decentralizing power and shaping the future of the internet and technology as we know it.

6. What’s your favorite thing about the internet?

The internet used to be accessible and relatively unrestricted for everyone, but that’s no longer the case as we witness increasing deplatforming and censorship every day. As a cypherpunk at heart, I strongly believe that freedom of speech and code is essential. That’s why I’m drawn toward a decentralized, community-driven platform, rather than relying on large data providers who have become the disruptors.

7. It’s an apocalypse of ‘walking dead’ proportions and you can only own a singular piece of technology, what would it be?

One of those really old clickety keyboards—you could knock a few zombies out with that thing!

8. What is your least favorite thing about the internet?

My least favorite thing is how the internet is now dominated by a few major players like Google and Microsoft. I believe it’s time to return to our roots and start developing the next iteration of the internet—one where individuals can control and monetize their own data, rather than being products of these tech giants.

9. If you were given $10 million to invest in something today what would you invest in and why?

InFlux Technologies / Flux, naturally.

10. What’s something you’re currently learning or excited to learn?

Recently with the release of our FluxAI, I’m starting to dig down the rabbit hole of truly what AI can do long-term and strategically. AI frightens many, but it is an unbelievable opportunity for all of us. Suspending more time researching how decentralization and AI can work together is absolutely one of the coolest things I've ever done.

11. Would you rather travel 10 years into the past or 10 years into the future? Give reasons for your answer.

What if I tell you I don’t want to do either one of those things. I am very content with being where I’m at right now and watching how things are materializing. Going back 10 years would make you start over again. Rolling for 10 years, you would miss lots of opportunities so maybe I’m just old-fashioned but I like right where we’re at today!

12. How do you feel about AI?

I’m not someone who views AI with doom and gloom. Instead, I believe it represents an unbelievable opportunity to expand many technologies and also the human race. I don’t believe in dystopian scenarios or that the Eagle Borg is going to take over and terminate all of us. I think the opportunities far outweigh the risks. But with that, there needs to be a decentralized open source and unfettered version of AI, that’s what InFlux Technologies is doing.