Business
Forget Silicon Valley. It’s Time For Silicon Jawn.
Have you ever had a robot stare at you? It’s an eerie feeling. Like you’re about to be taken out by a Terminator.
“It’s not going to kill me, is it?”
“It has no weapons.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
The ExynAero hovered in front of me, blades whirring like a tiny flying lawnmower, for only a moment. It quickly moved on to scan another part of its immediate environment.
“That was awesome.”
It’s Not A Drone. It’s A Robot.
Last week, I had the privilege of touring Exyn Technologies. I spoke with team member Justin Lehmann, who showed me everything Exyn has to offer.
The ExynAero may look and sound like a drone in every understanding of the word, but it’s not a drone. It’s a robot.
“Drone connotates that the robot isn’t thinking, and is a “slave” to whoever is controlling it.
“Our argument is, we’re giving our robots missions and they’re tackling it themselves. If we keep informing the general public of this distinction we’re confident it will stick.”
Exyn Technologies, headquartered right here in Philly, has developed the world’s first Level 4A Autonomous Robot. That means that it does not require a pilot in order to fly. This robot can figure its own way around without human aid.
You just tell the robot what area you want it to search and then it goes and does it. The robot essentially says,
“Hold my beer, I got this.”
How f**king cool is that?
Before seeing these puppies in action, I apparently had a limited understanding of “autonomy” in the robotic sense. There are levels from 1 – 5. Here’s a cute little chart you can read:
This kind of autonomy means that humans can do more with less. Mining, construction, natural disasters – all of those industries or life-saving situations are suddenly not so daunting or dangerous.
This Puppy Is Keeping Miners Safe
Currently, miners use what’s called a Cavity Monitoring System (CMS). It’s basically a stick that miners hold into a recently blown or unexplored cavern. The CMS reads the environment and tells the operators what is in the space.
You can think of it as “radar on a stick.”
Okay, so, technically it’s “LiDAR on a stick,” but you get what I mean.
The issue with a CMS is that it is extremely limiting. You can only learn so much from technology.
The ExynAero, however, can actively explore its environment all on its own. No need to stand there like a dope holding a stick.
“There are dangerous jobs where employees have to capture accurate, critical data to inform business decisions.
“They saw this autonomy as a universal way to let robots take over this dangerous work while creating more jobs in the process.”
This isn’t 1920 anymore. Kids fresh out of college don’t want to crawl into dangerous spaces and risk their lives for minimum wage.
Operating a drone from a safe spot is a way sexier career choice. And you don’t necessarily have to have a whole lot of training in order to qualify as an operator.
“In the off chance the robot needs to be manually taken over and piloted home, they’d likely need some software and/or engineering background to troubleshoot problems in the field.
“But that’s if issues arise.”
“If the robot is performing normally, they’d likely need a few hours of training and testing.
“It could be something as simple as a civil service test if we’re deployed in enough places that training becomes commonplace.”
The Robot is so simple to operate that even a dog can pilot it. Take a look:
From GRASP Labs To The ‘Intel of Autonomy’
Exyn was founded by Nader Elm and Dr. Vijay Kumar in 2014 out of UPenn’s GRASP Labs. By 2017, the company was awarded Startup of the Year by Penn’s Center for Innovation and was launching its first pilot project.
By 2019, Exyn raised $16 million in Series A round, filed its first round of patents with USPTO, and began deliveries.
“We’re becoming well known for our industry-leading autonomy and customer service. We’re moving into the construction industry and have a growing ecosystem of government customers (like the Army Corp of Engineers and others).
“In the past year, we’ve doubled our number of employees from ~35 to almost 80 today.”
Exyn is primarily a software company. ExynAI is the product. As the company continues to grow, they hope to become purely a software/customer service company.
As of now, they are dominating the mining industry and are expanding into construction. All in the pursuit of keeping humans safe with reliable, efficient software. This world-class, first-of-its-kind technology is launching the human-robot collaboration to incredibly sexy heights.
Exyn Technologies has developed world-changing technology right here in Philly. Between the Navy Yard and Center City, Philadelphia is blowing up to be the tech hub of the country.
“There’s a rich ecosystem of talent coming from the University of Penn’s GRASP labs as well as a host of other universities nearby.
“We viewed Philadelphia as a world-class city to attract talent from almost anywhere.
“There’s amazing food, a thriving art scene, endless nightlife, competitive schools, and a rich history that can entice young professionals and working parents alike.
“There’s an ecosystem of robotics and software companies in Philly, so there’s no shortage of partners and collaborators to work with.
“So, forget Silicon Valley, it’s time for Silicon Jawn.”
We’re excited to see where Exyn Technologies goes from here.
TLDR: For scalable, high-volume, high-quality design without hiring hassles, Penji is your best bet. For deeply strategic, narrative branding work, go traditional with Contrast & Co, BB Agency, or ProDesigns.
Did you know design is responsible for 94% of first impressions? That means your design is the welcome mat for your soon-to-be customers.
Are you a startup or agency based in Space City looking to launch your design into the stratosphere? You need a design partner who can match your pace.
1. Penji
Welcome to the future of design. Penji combines the top 2% of design talent and AI tools for on-demand, monthly subscription, unlimited graphic design, illustration, and UI/UX work.
Get a whole team at your fingertips. Get drafts in 24-48 hours without having to hire a team or deal with inconsistent freelance pricing. From a quick social media graphic to a full web mockup, Penji keeps your project on track at all times.
Pros:
- Unlimited Requests: Submit as many projects as you want.
- Fast Turnaround: Drafts in 24-48 hours.
- Cost-Effective: Flat monthly fee, no hidden charges.
- Expert Designers: Access to top global talent.
Cons:
- Not Strategy-Focused: Best for execution, not long-term brand strategy.
2. Contrast & Co
If you’re looking for the traditional agency model with a little storytelling flair, Contrast & Co is the way to go. Although they’re based in Annapolis, they are experienced with many Houston clients and are known for building brands based on “radical differentiation.” They don’t just design; they tell stories.
Pros:
- Strategic Depth: Excellent for complex rebranding and brand positioning.
- High-End creative: Known for award-winning, narrative-driven visuals.
Cons:
- Cost: Their premium strategic approach often comes with a higher price tag ($10,000+ minimums).
- Timeline: Traditional agency models typically have longer turnaround times than on-demand services.
3. BB Agency
BB Agency works with SaaS and tech companies. They build businesses through thorough B2B branding and digital product design. If you are in the B2B tech space, their portfolio speaks for itself—clean, modern work which places UX at its core.
Pros:
- Tech Focus: Deep expertise in SaaS and B2B sectors.
- Holistic Approach: They handle everything from branding to development.
Cons:
- Niche: Their specific focus on tech might not be the right fit for consumer lifestyle brands.
- Budget: Project costs often range between $50,000 and $200,000.
4. ProDesigns
For businesses needing specific, project-based graphic design services, ProDesigns offers a solid middle ground. They focus heavily on logos, corporate design, and packaging. So if you need something created without a subscription or heavy retainer price, they’re great for local one-off projects.
Pros:
- Project-Based: Good for one-off needs like a logo or brochure.
- Affordable: generally more accessible pricing for small businesses compared to large agencies.
Cons:
- Limited Scalability: Managing high-volume, ongoing design needs can become costly on a per-project basis.
- Slower Feedback Loops: Revisions may take longer compared to a subscription model.
FAQs
How much does a graphic design agency cost in Houston?
Agencies in Houston typically charge $100–$175 per hour. Project costs range from $1,000 for small tasks to over $50,000 for full branding. Services like Penji offer a flat monthly rate, often much lower than a single agency project.
What is “design as a service”?
Design as a service offers a subscription model with a flat monthly fee for as much design work as you need for that monthly fee. Instead of paying per hour or project as normal with an agency, this is a way to ensure predictable budgeting and consistency with your design team.
Credit for cover image: Photo by Mikael Blomkvist on pexels
In today’s world, digital advertising is the most effective and efficient way to reach potential customers. Facebook advertising, in particular, has become a crucial tool for marketers to promote their brands, engage with their target audience, and generate a high return on investment (ROI). To stand out from the crowd, it’s crucial to implement the most effective actions. For this year, here are our recommendations for the top 10 Facebook ads strategy ideas you need to try:
1. Create Relevant Content
Topping our list is creating relevant content as one of the most effective Facebook ads and marketing strategy. Content tailored to your audience’s interests and needs increases engagement and builds brand awareness. This approach has been effective for years and will continue because it focuses on building a relationship between you and your audience.
Moreover, with the rise of ad-blocking software and decreasing attention spans, creating relevant content is more critical than ever. Creating informative, engaging, and valuable content for the audience ensures businesses that their ads are seen and welcomed by the audience.
2. Create Short-Form Video Ads (Reels & Stories)
Over the past few years, we’ve seen the shift to vertical, sound-on, mobile-first consumption across Facebook and Instagram. That said, it’s best to adapt your Facebook ads to align with this shift, using Reels ads, Stories ads, and vertical in-feed videos.
To make a high-performing short video ad, include a hook in the first three seconds and use captions for sound-off viewers. It’s also a good idea to create native-looking content and have a clear CTA.
3. Personalize Your Facebook Ads
Creating personalized ads on Facebook is an effective strategy because they’re more targeted and relevant to your audience. Businesses can use data from user behavior and interests to provide content that resonates with their audience, leading to higher engagement and conversions.
Plus, personalized ads can help you build trust and brand loyalty by showing you understand and care about your audience’s needs and preferences. This approach helps establish a stronger connection with the audience, leading to increased advocacy and customer loyalty.
You can also explore Advantage+ automated creative, which now personalizes ads using AI.
4. Use Facebook Custom Audiences
Facebook Custom Audiences are essential in a effective Facebook ads strategy in 2026. However, there have been changes in the way they’re used and optimized. Today, Meta’s AI now does much of the heavy lifting.
With Advantage+ targeting, users can start with broad audience signals and allow Meta’s system to automatically expand reach based on real-time performance data.
5. Join the Facebook Video Ad Bandwagon
According to statistics, Facebook videos have 8 billion daily views. This is an excellent Facebook ads strategy idea as they are more engaging than static ads, capturing the audience’s attention and creating an emotional connection. Facebook’s autoplay feature ensures that the video will be seen, making it an effective way to increase brand awareness and drive sales.
Facebook recommends keeping video ads short and adding captions, as these ads increase view time by an average of 12%, making it a more effective strategy.
6. Consider Creating Facebook Custom Landing Pages
Another highly recommended Facebook ads strategy idea is to create a custom landing page. This means having a specific page for people to visit when they click on your ad instead of just using your website. Using a custom landing page makes it easier for people to take the action you want, like signing up for your email list.
It also ensures they don’t get confused or distracted by other information on your website. So, if you want more people to take action on your ad, a custom landing page is the way to go!
7. Always Think High-Quality
Having a broad reach of audiences, Facebook is also rife with advertisers, making differentiation a challenge. To work around this, you must always strive to create high-quality ads. Invest in producing the finest Facebook ads you can, as these will make your business look more professional and trustworthy. This, in turn, can increase engagement and conversions.
They also make your brand look better overall, leading to better brand recognition and customer loyalty. Ultimately, investing in high-quality ads can pay off with better results and a higher return on investment (ROI) for your Facebook advertising efforts.
8. Familiarize Yourself with Lookalike Audiences
Knowing about Facebook Lookalike Audiences is essential for creating effective Facebook ad strategies because it allows you to reach a larger yet similar audience to your existing customers. With Lookalike Audiences, Facebook will use its data to find people similar to your current customers based on their interests, behavior, and demographics.
This allows you to create more targeted and relevant ads for a group of people who are more likely to be interested in your products or services, leading to higher conversion rates and better return on ad spend.
9. Be a Facebook Remarketing Expert
Learning about the ins and outs of Facebook remarketing is crucial because it allows you to target people who have already shown an interest in your brand, reminding them of your business and increase conversions.
With Facebook’s remarketing tools, you can track potential customers’ behavior and customize your ad strategy accordingly, reaching those most likely to convert. By mastering Facebook remarketing, you can boost your advertising efforts and maximize your return on investment.
10. Hold Contests and Giveaways
Contests and giveaways on Facebook have always been a great way to increase brand awareness, engagement, and lead generation. It encourages people to interact with your brand and share your content. They can also create a sense of urgency and excitement, driving more conversions and sales while providing valuable customer data and insights.
Holding contests and giveaways can help your business achieve short-term and long-term marketing goals. You can also explore shoppable events, live commerce promotions, and lead ad optimizations to enrich your campaigns.
Final Thoughts
To maximize your ROI in 2026, try implementing the top 10 Facebook ad strategies outlined in this guide. Standing out from the competition, engaging your target audience, and continuously improving your results, Facebook advertising can be a powerful tool for growing your business. It’s also a great idea to exp[lore Meta’s AI, which now helps automate creative, targeting, and placements.
Famous for its vibrant food scene, booming tech hub, and live music, Austin, Texas, also holds some of the best design agencies in the nation. For the coming year, you might want to work with the following agencies to boost your business:
Penji
Known for its unlimited graphic design services, Penji tops this list of the best agencies in Austin. Its key services include branding visuals, infographics, social media graphics, custom illustrations, UI and UX design, and more. You can send requests for more than 120 design categories, all for a flat monthly rate. And the best part is its unlimited revisions feature, allowing you to get the exact designs you need without paying extra.
Pushstart Creative
A multidisciplinary design agency, Pushstart Creative specializes in product and industrial design, user experience, research, and strategy. It has worked across various industries, most notably consumer and commercial IoT, consumer electronics, sports, and health and fitness.
Frank & Victor
Reflecting Austin’s creative spirit, Frank & Victor helps businesses resonate more deeply with their audiences. It promises to create branding and identity systems, strategic logo designs, UI/UX designs, and more, with premium quality designs and attention to detail.
Big Gorilla
With a focus on branding and identity design, web design and development, and marketing strategy, Big Gorilla is a highly recommended creative design agency for businesses in Austin. It also offers photography, video, art direction, packaging design, and a wide range of marketing and communications services.
Fahrenheit Marketing
Founded in 2008, Fahrenheit Marketing is a full-service agency that offers both creative design and marketing strategy. Proudly based in Austin, Texas, it offers web development, UX/UI design, SEO, PPC, and ecommerce services. In addition to these, they sell products from Offline Order Importer, HubSpot, Klaviyo, SharpSpring, and many others.
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