In this Meet the Startup episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, Ryan Musto sits down with Paul Lwin, CEO and co-founder of HavocAI, to explore how the company is revolutionizing maritime operations with its autonomous Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs). Paul shares his inspiring journey from Myanmar refugee to Naval Academy graduate and tech leader, while showcasing HavocAI’s innovative platform that enables a single operator to control thousands of USVs. They discuss the company’s role in the Department of Defense’s Replicator Initiative, partnerships with leading industry players, and its mission to deliver scalable, cost-effective solutions for defense and commercial applications. Discover how HavocAI is charting the future of maritime autonomy and redefining innovation at the intersection of technology, defense, and resilience—this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

To Learn More:

• Alumni Ventures (AV)
• AV LinkedIn
• AV Deep Tech Fund
• Tech Optimist
• HavocAI

Legal Disclosure:

• https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosures

Creators & Guests

In this Three Breakthroughs episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, Mike Collins and Naren Ramaswamy spotlight three groundbreaking innovations reshaping our world. First, they unpack how AI is revolutionizing careers, urging listeners to embrace tools and skills critical for thriving in a rapidly evolving job market. Next, they examine the transformative potential of GLP-1 drugs in tackling obesity and diabetes, discussing their profound impact on public health and the wellness industry. Finally, they analyze how technology is rewriting the playbook for elections, with podcasts becoming pivotal platforms for political engagement and strategy. Don’t miss this forward-thinking discussion on the trends defining tomorrow!

To Learn More:

• Alumni Ventures (AV)
• AV LinkedIn
• AV Deep Tech Fund
• Tech Optimist

Legal Disclosure:

• https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosures

Creators & Guests

In this Meet the Startup episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, Jason Bird interviews Jason Park, Co-founder and CEO of Coldcart, about the company’s innovative approach to solving challenges in perishable parcel logistics. Jason shares how Coldcart’s end-to-end platform helps businesses cut shipping costs by 15-50% while reducing spoilage by 40-60%. He explains how the company’s enterprise-grade technology integrates seamlessly into existing systems, optimizing routing and packaging in real time to deliver consistent quality. With 3 billion perishable parcels shipped annually in the U.S., Jason highlights Coldcart’s readiness to scale and its mission to transform an underserved market. Discover how Coldcart is reshaping the future of perishable logistics and what makes this fast-growing startup a game-changer in an evolving industry—don’t miss this insightful conversation! 

To Learn More:

• Alumni Ventures (AV)
• AV LinkedIn
• AV Seed Fund
• Tech Optimist
• Coldcart

Legal Disclosure:

• https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosures

Creators & Guests

In this Meet the Startup episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, we spotlight HeronAI, a groundbreaking Boston-based startup redefining data analytics. Co-founder and CEO Daphne Pariser shares the journey behind their AI-powered platform, which is transforming how businesses manage data. Learn how HeronAI automates processes, generates dashboards in minutes, and simplifies data integration, offering a seamless and accessible experience for enterprises and SMBs alike. With impressive milestones like winning $1 million at the 43North competition, HeronAI is a testament to innovation driving real-world impact. Tune in to discover how they’re shaping the future of decision-making, one dashboard at a time.

To Learn More:

• Alumni Ventures (AV)
• AV LinkedIn
• Castor Ventures (An AV Fund)
• Tech Optimist
• HeronAI

Legal Disclosure:

• https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosures

Creators & Guests

In this Three Breakthroughs episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, Mike Collins and Naren Ramaswamy explore game-changing advancements shaping the future of technology. They discuss prediction markets and their impact on election forecasting, highlighting how innovation is redefining traditional polling. The conversation moves to brain-computer interfaces, featuring a breakthrough device by Synchron that empowers individuals with paralysis to interact with technology in revolutionary ways. Finally, the duo examines the rise of AI-driven collaboration and creativity, showcasing examples like meme-generating AI bots and the productivity enhancements offered by emerging tools. This episode highlights how innovation continues to transform our world.

To Learn More:

• Alumni Ventures (AV)
• AV LinkedIn
• AV Deep Tech Fund
• Tech Optimist

Legal Disclosure:

• https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosures

Creators & Guests

In this Meet the Startup episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, Chris Sklarin sits down with Erik Severinghaus, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Bloomfilter, an innovative startup revolutionizing software development. Erik shares Bloomfilter's mission to bring clarity and efficiency to the software development life cycle through cutting-edge process mining and AI-driven insights. The conversation dives into Erik's entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of scaling startups, and how Bloomfilter is addressing inefficiencies that have long plagued software development. Tune in for an inspiring look at how innovation is transforming the way software is built.

To Learn More:

• Alumni Ventures (AV)
• AV LinkedIn
• AV Deep Tech Fund
• Tech Optimist
• Bloomfilter

Speakers:

• Chris Sklarin
• Erik Severinghaus

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Interview

Legal Disclosure:

• https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosures

In this Meet the Startup episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, Meera Oak, Partner at Alumni Ventures, interviews Ross Correia, co-founder and CEO of Reactiv, a Toronto-based startup transforming mobile commerce. Ross shares how Reactiv’s AI-powered platform, featuring a no-code app builder, AI-driven customization, and innovative Reactiv Clips, enables merchants to create seamless mobile shopping experiences. The conversation dives into Reactiv’s $5 million seed round led by Bonfire Ventures, its rapid growth trajectory, and its mission to make mobile apps accessible and impactful for e-commerce businesses of all sizes. Listen now to uncover how Reactiv is redefining mobile commerce and inspiring the next wave of innovation for businesses everywhere.

To Learn More:

• Alumni Ventures (AV)
• AV LinkedIn
• AV Seed Fund
• Tech Optimist
• Reactiv

Speakers:

• Meera Oak 
• Ross Correia

Legal Disclosure:

• https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosures

In this Three Breakthroughs episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, Mike Collins and Naren Ramaswamy discuss three cutting-edge innovations reshaping technology and society. Explore Eve, a groundbreaking robotic fish collecting environmental DNA to revolutionize marine research. Dive into Google's Project Jarvis, an AI-powered digital assistant poised to transform how we interact with technology. Finally, learn how Meta's emerging search engine is challenging Google's dominance while redefining personalized data access. This episode highlights the convergence of conservation, automation, and innovation, offering an inspiring glimpse into the future of technology.

To Learn More:

• Alumni Ventures (AV)
• AV LinkedIn
• AV Deep Tech Fund
• Tech Optimist

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Intro

Legal Disclosure:

• https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosures

Creators & Guests

In this Meet the Startup episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, we explore SIQ Basketball, a groundbreaking innovation transforming how players train and improve. CEO Erik Anderson joins Alumni Ventures’ Keaton Nankivil to highlight the FIBA-approved smart basketball that uses a patented 9D sensor to track over 190 data points per shot. Paired with a cutting-edge app, the ball provides real-time analytics, personalized feedback, and gamified training for players of all levels. With a major partnership with Spalding and a vision for expanding its technology, SIQ Basketball is set to redefine sports performance and accessibility. Tune in to discover how technology is shaping the future of sports and empowering athletes at every level.

To Learn More:

• Alumni Ventures (AV)
• AV LinkedIn
• AV Sports Fund
• Tech Optimist
• SIQ Basketball

Creators & Guests

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Intro

Legal Disclosure:

• https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosures

In this Meet the Startup episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, Laura Bordewieck Rippy interviews Gautam Narang, CEO and co-founder of Gatik, to discuss how the company is revolutionizing middle-mile logistics through autonomous technology. Gautam highlights Gatik’s journey from its founding in 2017 to becoming an industry leader, with achievements like driver-out commercial deliveries for Walmart and partnerships with major brands like Isuzu and Kroger. The episode explores how Gatik's AI-powered trucks optimize supply chains, tackle driver shortages, and redefine safety and scalability in autonomous transportation.

To Learn More:

• Alumni Ventures (AV)
• AV LinkedIn
• Green D Ventures Fund (An AV fund for fellow Dartmouth alums) 
• Tech Optimist
• Gatik

Speakers:

• Laura Rippy 
• Gautam Narang

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Intro

Legal Disclosure:

• https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosures