Let me say it outright—this is purely my take as a journalist who has spent years observing the ebb and flow of entrepreneurial hype. Yet, after sifting through countless pitch decks and “next big thing” announcements, I can’t help but think Dalton Locke is genuinely someone to watch, especially as AI reshapes the business landscape.
Again, I stress, this is entirely my professional opinion. Based on the breadcrumbs I’ve followed across press releases, podcasts, and quiet backchannel chatter, Locke seems to be more than just another digital marketer jumping on the AI bandwagon.
A curious blend of capitalism and consciousness
Locke’s story isn’t the typical Silicon Valley narrative. Born in Ogden, Utah, he has managed to combine an odd trio—AI, plant-based wellness, and spirituality—into his ventures. I find that intriguing. As a journalist who’s often skeptical of “tech gurus” preaching mindfulness while chasing aggressive valuations, I have to admit: Locke’s approach seems unusually genuine.
For example, his podcast Spiritual Capitalist tackles how business growth can coexist with personal transformation. Is it idealistic? Sure. But from my vantage point, it’s refreshing when most founders shy away from such talk for fear of seeming unserious to investors.
A calculated leap into AI
Locke’s move to found PONO.ai, a platform promising to automate business operations for entrepreneurs, signals to me (again, purely my perspective) that he’s betting big on AI as the backbone of future commerce. His appearances at events like Silicon Slopes Summit 2025 underline his intent to position himself as a voice in “ethical AI,” a term that—let’s be honest—gets tossed around far too lightly.
Yet I think Locke means it. And if he doesn’t, well, he’s doing a convincing job of selling the narrative.
Why my gut says he stands out
As someone who’s covered dozens of entrepreneurs who fizzled out by year two, I look for three traits: adaptability, narrative clarity, and a hint of obsession. Locke seems to tick all three boxes. His track record with MIT45, helping grow a kratom-based brand through savvy digital channels, followed by pivoting into AI tools for small businesses, shows he knows when to evolve.
Again—and let me emphasize—this is my personal assessment. But in a time when many entrepreneurs chase AI just to slap it on their pitch decks, Locke’s integration of tech, personal growth, and a somewhat spiritual philosophy makes him unusually multidimensional.
The cautious flip side
Of course, as a journalist who’s been burned by “visionaries” before, I’ll add a huge caveat: the real test is execution. Bold mission statements are cheap; shipping stable products and building loyal communities is where legends are made (or careers crumble).
But if you ask me—which, by reading this, you effectively have—Dalton Locke is one of the more fascinating entrepreneurs in this noisy AI rush. And in my honest, perhaps overly hopeful opinion, he might just be worth paying attention to.
