In this episode of The Germinate Podcast, host Joe Samson welcomes Elad Segal, co-founder and CEO of DriftSense, for a wide-ranging conversation that blends agtech innovation, entrepreneurship, and real-life perspective from Israel during an ongoing conflict .Elad joins the show from Israel and opens up about what it’s like to build a company, raise a family, and lead a team while living under rocket alarms and constant uncertainty. He shares personal stories about evacuations, parenting young children during wartime, and how his team continues to operate as both colleagues and extended family.From there, the conversation shifts into DriftSense and the real problem the company is solving in agriculture. Elad explains that most spray decisions today rely heavily on meteorology alone—but spraying success is far more complex. DriftSense brings together chemistry, equipment setup, application method, regulations, and weather into a single algorithmic engine that helps growers and agronomists determine when and where to spray for optimal results.Joe and Elad discuss why spraying is one of the most expensive and risk-filled operations on a farm, especially as labor costs rise, chemical resistance increases, and margins tighten. Elad explains why fungicides and insecticides can cost hundreds of dollars per acre, why “pray-and-spray” is no longer sustainable, and how inefficiencies in application timing and method can waste money, time, and chemistry.The episode also dives into startup realities—how DriftSense pivoted from a regulatory-first approach to a grower-first solution after speaking with hundreds of stakeholders across the ag value chain. Elad shares candid lessons on customer discovery, saying “no” as a founder, avoiding over-customization, and focusing relentlessly on real problems rather than flashy features.Joe and Elad explore the broader theme of efficiency over yield, noting that many growers are no longer interested in promises of maximum yield, but instead want tools that help them do their existing work better, faster, and with less risk. They discuss how agtech solutions work best in combination—spray optimization alongside water optimization, maintenance software, and operational tools—rather than as one-size-fits-all answers.The conversation closes with a thoughtful reflection on technology, AI, and human connection. While automation and data continue to reshape agriculture, Joe and Elad agree that trust, relationships, and real conversations remain irreplaceable. Elad shares DriftSense’s vision of becoming the gold standard for crop protection decision-making and outlines the company’s focus on specialty crops, particularly in California.Connect with the GuestElad SegalCo-Founder & CEO, DriftSenseLinkedIn: https://il.linkedin.com/in/elad-segal-ph-d-aaa91077Email: [email protected]: https://www.drift-sense.com

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