In this episode of the AI Interconnect podcast, host Laurent Cochet speaks with Nikos Iatropoulos, managing partner at IA Global Ventures. They discuss Nikos's journey from software engineer to venture capitalist, the evolution of startup launching in the AI era, and the impact of OpenAI on the startup ecosystem. Nikos shares insights on the International Accelerator model, the challenges faced by foreign founders in the US, and the importance of networking. They also explore what makes a successful founder today, exciting trends in applied AI, and the future of seed investing.

Titles

Navigating the AI Landscape with Nikos Yatropoulos

From Engineer to Investor: Nikos Yatropoulos' Journey

Sound bites

"OpenAI can kill a hundred startups."

"Networking in the US is more fragmented."

"AI is going to disrupt every industry."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI and Entrepreneurship

01:29 Nikos' Journey from Founder to Investor

03:38 The Changing Landscape of Startups and AI

05:48 The Impact of OpenAI on Startups

09:18 Understanding IA Global Venture

19:56 Challenges for Immigrant Founders in the US

26:46 Navigating Market Expansion Challenges

28:53 The Evolving Role of Founders

33:18 The AI Landscape and Investment Opportunities

41:15 Future Trends in Seed Stage AI Investing

46:37 IA Global Ventures: Vision and Strategy

Keywords

AI, venture capital, entrepreneurship, startups, international accelerator, Nikos Yatropoulos, technology, investment, real estate, finance, Nikos Iatropoulos, IA Global Ventures, International Accelerator, AI startups, applied AI, venture capital, seed-stage investing, immigrant founders, global startups, Austin tech, startup accelerator, foreign-born founders, US market entry, AI venture fund, AI defensibility, AI InterConnect Podcast, tech entrepreneurship, international founders, global innovation, startup growth, Austin innovation, cross-border startups, AI business model, AI ecosystem, early-stage venture capital, investor insights, AI funding 2025, startup expansion USA, AI in venture capital, global AI investing.

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#ImmigrantFounders #GlobalStartups #InternationalFounders #StartupGrowth #GlobalInnovation #USMarketEntry #EntrepreneurMindset #FounderStories #StartupSuccess #InvestInStartups #FutureOfAI #TechLeadership #InvestorInsights

#AustinTech #AustinInnovation #TexasStartups #GlobalEntrepreneurs #StartupsInAustin #InternationalExpansion #BuildingInAustin #AIinAustin #StartupEcosystem

Nikos Iatropoulos, Managing Partner at IA Global Ventures, joins the AI InterConnect Podcast to share how he helps international founders build successful AI startups in the United States. From his roots as a software engineer and entrepreneur to leading a seed-stage venture fund in Austin, Nikos explains what he looks for in founders, how IA Global Ventures works alongside the International Accelerator, and why applied AI is reshaping early-stage investing.

He also reveals how immigrant founders can gain a foothold in the U.S. market and why Austin has become a global hub for innovation.

Learn the principles of defensible AI investing and how early-stage startups can stand out in a crowded space.

Subscribe to AI InterConnect for weekly conversations with investors and founders building the next generation of AI-driven companies.