Bliss + Dustin (Jan 22)

Attendees: Dustin J Ross, Bliss Perry Date: January 22, 2026 Type: Partner Session

Summary

Supply Chain Vertical Strategy

• Focus on picking specific verticals rather than broad approach
• Identify flagship companies within chosen verticals to understand their supply chain operations
• Research what gives companies competitive advantage in supply chain management:
  • Insider information vs personal relationships
  • In-house data teams vs external software
  • Human capital and modeling capacity
• Analyze where current value is being captured to identify future opportunities
• Question assumption that proprietary data mapping is primary value driver

Quantum Computing Opportunity

• Multiple signals pointing toward quantum direction:
  • Dasher connection, quantum contacts emerging, Yonku relationship
  • Bliss has Friday call with Duke Quantum Lab
• Request introductions from Yonku:
  • Chad Ricketti (Ann Arbor computing contact)
  • Nobel Prize-winning thesis advisor
  • Supply chain contacts at manufacturing companies
• Positioning strategy: bring people along the journey rather than claiming expertise
• Ask for introductions to high-value manufacturing companies (aerospace, automotive)

Networking and Meeting Pipeline

• GSB outreach already generating responses:
  • Ben (Farm Link project - food supply chain)
  • Tony Milne contact
• Target contacts for supply chain conversations:
  1. Envy (family runs aerospace manufacturing in India)
  2. Ben (Farm Link supply chain experience)
  3. Holland (energy transportation/LNG for Taiwan)
  4. Alexa Mangual (hedge fund covering automotive)
  5. Allison (manufacturing engineer background)
• Consider visiting manufacturing facilities in India
• Apply for McFaul’s Great Power Competition class (application due March 10)

Next Steps

• Dustin: Send GSB class messages to both 26 and 27 cohorts about supply chain experience
• Dustin: Schedule meetings with identified contacts over next 2 days
• Bliss: Email Yonku requesting quantum introductions and supply chain contacts
• Bliss: Research and download available supply chain data, create analysis in Jupyter notebook
• Bliss: Send Monday evening write-up of data research findings and recommendations
• Both: Move Wednesday meeting to Thursday 1:00 PM
• Bliss: Set calendar reminder for Monday deliverable