In this Three Breakthroughs episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, host Mike Collins and Naren Ramaswamy explore transformative innovations reshaping our future. They discuss AI-powered nuclear energy solutions fueling data centers, the rise of self-driving cars like Tesla’s Cyber Taxis and Waymo’s fleets, and their potential to revolutionize cities and transportation. The episode also highlights Qure.ai’s groundbreaking AI technology for early lung cancer detection, offering life-saving advancements in healthcare. These breakthroughs showcase the power of innovation to solve critical challenges and create a brighter tomorrow.

To Learn More:

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

Speakers:

• Mike Collins 
• Naren Ramaswamy  

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Intro

Legal Disclosure:

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

In this Blue Flame Thinkers episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, host Mike Collins welcomes Russell Hannigan, a visionary in the commercial space industry, to discuss the transformative possibilities emerging in space technology. Together, they explore the growing need for a "railroad to space" that would drastically lower the cost of launches, making space more accessible for innovation and entrepreneurship. Russell highlights pivotal trends, from reusable rockets to the potential of commercializing space-based manufacturing, emphasizing how these advancements could redefine what is feasible in orbit. The conversation also covers the challenges of reducing launch costs, enabling large-scale satellite services, and fostering competition within the private space sector to drive progress. Russell and Mike touch on how the U.S. remains at the forefront of space investments, but also acknowledge the increasing global competition. Russell shares his passion for making space economically sustainable, hoping to inspire a future where millions can contribute to and benefit from space-based industries. This episode sheds light on the entrepreneurial spirit needed to tackle the immense challenges of space and presents a compelling vision of a future where innovation knows no boundaries.

To Learn More:

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

Speakers:

• Mike Collins 
• Russell J Hannigan

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Intro

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 spotlight three pioneering advances that are shaping the future. They begin with AlphaFold 3 from Google DeepMind, which has revolutionized biology by predicting complex protein interactions, vastly accelerating research in drug discovery and genomics. Next, they discuss Tesla’s Optimus, a humanoid robot set to bring automation into daily life with capabilities from household chores to industrial tasks, showcasing the rapid progress in robotics. Finally, they explore SpaceX's latest Starship feat: launching and successfully catching a skyscraper-sized rocket mid-air, a breakthrough that reduces costs and enhances reusability, laying the groundwork for an expanding space economy. Tune in to discover how these advances are transforming tech's role in healthcare, robotics, and space.

To Learn More:

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

Speakers:

• Mike Collins 
• Naren Ramaswamy  

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, Managing Partner Ray Wu sits down with David Tse, co-founder of Babylon, to explore the company’s groundbreaking approach to Bitcoin staking. Babylon enables Bitcoin holders to stake their assets securely on proof-of-stake networks without the need for complex bridging, enhancing both blockchain security and capital efficiency. Tse explains how Babylon’s innovative protocol leverages Bitcoin’s security for the broader ecosystem, creating new opportunities for Bitcoin holders while addressing key challenges in decentralized finance. With over $1.5 billion in total value locked and backing from major investors like Paradigm, Babylon is on a mission to shape the future of blockchain infrastructure.

To Learn More:

• Alumni Ventures (AV)
• AV LinkedIn
• AV Blockchain and Fintech Fund
• Tech Optimist
• Babylon

Speakers:

• Ray Wu
• David Tse

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, Jason Bird chats with David T. Scott, CEO of Evil Genius Games, about how the company is modernizing tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) with a digital-first platform. David shares how Evil Genius Games combines cutting-edge tech with licensed movie franchises like John Wick and Pacific Rim to offer diverse, action-packed storytelling experiences beyond traditional fantasy. With a focus on inclusivity and community-driven content, Evil Genius Games is expanding TTRPG appeal and redefining immersive play for a new generation of gamers.

David's Ask: David’s primary asks for Evil Genius Games are for continued fundraising support, introductions to Hollywood studios to expand their licensed intellectual property partnerships, and help from community advocates to encourage TTRPG players to try out their platform.
 
To Learn More:

• Alumni Ventures (AV)
• AV LinkedIn
• AV Seed Fund
• Tech Optimist
• Evil Genius Games

Speakers:

• Jason Bird - Guest
• David T. Scott - Guest 

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, Mike Collins speaks with Dhruv Patel and Himanshu Sahay, the co-founders of Arch Lending, a New York-based FinTech startup revolutionizing crypto-backed loans. They discuss Arch’s mission to offer secure, regulated financial services for individuals and institutions holding alternative assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The conversation explores the growing trend of crypto adoption, the future of decentralized finance, and how Arch differentiates itself through security, compliance, and seamless user experience. Tune in for insights on the next generation of wealth management and the evolution of financial services in the digital asset space.

To Learn More:

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

Speakers:

• Mike Collins 
• Dhruv Patel
• Himanshu Sahay

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Intro

Legal Disclosure:

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

In this Three Breakthroughs episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, host Mike Collins and Senior Principal Naren Ramaswamy explore three fascinating technological advancements poised to shape the future. They begin with a groundbreaking achievement in neuroscience: the first-ever complete map of a fruit fly’s brain, shedding light on brain function and offering potential insights for AI and medical innovations. Next, they discuss AI’s newfound ability to predict and create scents, opening up vast possibilities in health and environmental monitoring. Finally, they examine the societal implications of automation in industries like dock work and film, focusing on how technology-driven progress can spur both opportunity and disruption. Tune in to discover how these advancements are pushing the boundaries of innovation and what they mean for the future of society and technology.

To Learn More:

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

Speakers:

• Mike Collins 
• Naren Ramaswamy  

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, Ron Levin, Managing Partner at Alumni Ventures, sits down with Abbey Donnell, the founder and CEO of Work & Mother. They discuss how Work & Mother is reshaping the modern workplace by providing fully equipped lactation suites that help companies meet legal requirements while supporting working mothers. Abbey shares her journey of founding the company, driven by her desire to solve a problem many new mothers face when returning to work. The episode highlights the company's innovative approach, its national expansion, and its positive impact on both employee retention and workplace wellness. Listeners will gain insight into how Work & Mother is setting new standards for maternal support in corporate environments, creating private, dignified spaces that improve the work-life balance for new mothers.

Abbey's Ask: She encourages listeners to raise awareness of Work & Mother by encouraging their employers or landlords to provide dedicated, well-equipped spaces that support new mothers in balancing breastfeeding and work.

To Learn More:

• Alumni Ventures (AV)
• AV LinkedIn
• AV Women's Fund
• Tech Optimist
• Work & Mother

Speakers:

• Ron Levin
• Abbey Donnell

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, we dive into the innovative world of carbon capture with Cameron Halliday, co-founder and CEO of Mantel. Joined by Alumni Ventures Managing Partner Chris Sklarin, Cameron discusses Mantel’s groundbreaking technology that leverages molten salt-based materials to capture CO2 emissions from industrial sources like cement and steel plants. This conversation covers how Mantel is drastically reducing carbon capture costs and making this essential climate solution more scalable and energy-efficient. They also explore the company's rapid progress, including a recent $30 million Series A funding round, and how Mantel is preparing for commercial-scale deployment. Listen in to discover how Mantel’s advancements are positioned to play a critical role in decarbonizing heavy industries.

To Learn More:

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

Speakers:

• Chris Sklarin
• Cameron Halliday

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, Naren Ramaswamy hosts Tanay Kothari, CEO and co-founder of Wispr AI, to discuss the future of voice technology. Wispr’s breakthrough product, Flow, is an AI-powered voice dictation platform designed to transform how people interact with their devices, making communication faster and more intuitive. Tanay shares his vision for creating technology that fades into the background, allowing users to focus on being present. They explore the inefficiencies of traditional typing and how Flow, by leveraging natural speech, can significantly boost productivity. This episode offers an inspiring look at how voice interfaces are set to revolutionize human-computer interaction, pushing us toward a screenless future.

To Learn More:

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

Speakers:

• Naren Ramaswamy  
• Tanay Kothari

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Intro

Legal Disclosure:

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