Hot-in-Tech

David Leichner

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Hot-in-Tech goes beyond the headlines to explore the people and signals behind what’s actually hot in technology. Through candid conversations with top VCs, founders, and executives, we unpack how they got into the rooms that matter, the bets that paid off (and the ones that didn’t), and what’s coming next, long before it becomes consensus. Less hype. More signal.

May 26

Why AI Won’t Replace Humans (But Will Change Every Job) | Gary Survis, Insight Partners

In this episode of hot-in-tech, David Leichner and Yitzy Tannenbaum sit down with Gary Survis, Operating Partner at Insight Partners. Gary shares why AI is the biggest technological shift of our lifetime, why he compares it more to electricity than software, and what every leader must do to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. The conversation explores why Gary remains firmly on “Team Human” despite AI’s rapid advancement, arguing that the future belongs to those who embrace change rather than resist it. He explains why three uniquely human capabilities, judgment, empathy, and verification, will become even more valuable as AI reshapes work, and why authenticity will matter more than ever in a world increasingly flooded with AI-generated content. David, Gary, and Yitzy also discuss how AI is transforming business models, from startups to enterprise software, and why the future competitive moat may lie in contextual intelligence and proprietary data rather than technology alone. Gary shares his perspective on the evolution of SaaS, the rise of agents, and why domain expertise will continue to matter deeply even as AI becomes more capable. The discussion also expands beyond software into infrastructure, exploring the growing energy and water demands of AI, why data center power challenges are more about grid modernization than energy scarcity, and where venture-backed opportunities may emerge in areas such as battery storage, grid orchestration, and water monitoring. From marketing transformation and “job rebundling” to the future of education and work itself, Gary offers a pragmatic, optimistic, and deeply informed perspective on how individuals and companies can thrive in the age of AI.

42 min
May 20

The Future of Product Security: AI, Leadership, and Secure-by-Design with Oleg Yusim

What does it take to build secure products in a world increasingly shaped by AI? In this episode of hot-in-tech, we sit down with Oleg Yusim to explore the evolution of product security, the growing convergence of R&D and cybersecurity, and what leaders must do to adapt as AI reshapes the way products are built, secured, and maintained. Oleg shares his perspective on how product security has matured from an afterthought into a business-critical function deeply integrated into the product lifecycle. We discuss the shift toward secure-by-design thinking, the increasing complexity of modern product environments, and why security can no longer operate in isolation from engineering and product teams. The conversation also dives into one of the most transformative forces impacting technology today: artificial intelligence. From AI-assisted development to security implications, Oleg unpacks where AI is already delivering value, where organizations should proceed carefully, and how leaders can separate hype from practical implementation. We explore how AI is accelerating software development, changing workflows, and creating both opportunities and new security challenges. Beyond technology, this episode is also about leadership. Oleg discusses the mindset shifts required for leaders navigating rapid technological change, why technical expertise alone is no longer enough, and how communication, collaboration, and people skills often determine long-term success in product security leadership roles. Whether you work in cybersecurity, product development, engineering leadership, or simply want to understand how AI is reshaping modern technology organizations, this conversation offers practical insights into where the industry is headed and what skills will matter most in the years ahead.

42 min
May 14

AI Leaves the Screen: Welcome to the Age of Physical AI

In this episode of 𝘩𝘰𝘵-𝘪𝘯-𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩, we sit down with Zach Greenberger, CEO of Nexar, to explore the rise of physical AI and how real-world data is reshaping entire industries. Zach shares how Nexar is building a global intelligence layer for the physical world by processing billions of miles of driving data, powering everything from autonomous vehicles to smart cities and real-time risk insights. We dive into why simulation alone isn’t enough, the critical role of real-world edge cases, and how high-quality data is becoming the true competitive moat in AI. Zach also breaks down the future of mobility, why autonomous vehicles are inevitable, and the real barrier to adoption: trust. From insurance and city infrastructure to robotics and transportation, this conversation explores how understanding the real world in real time is unlocking the next wave of innovation. If you want to understand where AI is actually heading next, this episode is a must-listen.

32 min
May 1

Leading at AI Speed: Building Fearless Teams & Beating Complexity in Cybersecurity

Most companies miss a powerful growth lever: their leadership principles. Anand Oswal, EVP at Palo Alto Networks, shares how to build bold, autonomous teams ready for the toughest cybersecurity challenges. In this episode, he breaks down how passion, clarity, and trust drive high performance. Learn why aligning every role to a clear vision fuels motivation and speed. Discover the leadership habits that spark innovation at scale, hiring for attitude, embracing experimentation, and turning failure into momentum. Anand also tackles a core problem in tech: complexity. He explains how a platform approach simplifies security, reduces risk, and accelerates execution. We dive into the future of cybersecurity in the AI era, from managing shadow AI to securing intelligent agents and staying ahead of rapidly evolving threats. Perfect for tech leaders, founders, and cybersecurity pros, this episode is packed with practical strategies to scale teams, cut through noise, and lead with confidence in an AI-driven world. With 100+ US patents and deep expertise in networking, Anand blends technical brilliance with sharp leadership insight. If you want to build a culture that adapts, innovates, and wins, this is a must-listen.

36 min
Apr 15

Hagit Oren, CEO of TaxRay: How AI is Transforming Tax Compliance and Risk Management.

In this insightful episode, Hagit Oren, CEO of TaxRay, discusses how AI is transforming tax compliance and risk management. She shares her journey from law to AI-driven solutions, the importance of explainability in regulated spaces, and the future of domain-specific autonomous systems in tax.

38 min
Mar 23

Pioneering Preemptive Cybersecurity with Sivan Tehila

In this episode, Sivan Tehila shares her journey from military service to becoming a leader in cybersecurity innovation. She discusses the shift from reactive to proactive security models, emphasizing the role of AI and machine learning in predicting and preventing threats. Sivan highlights the importance of cybersecurity education, especially for young women, and the evolving role of security analysts in an AI-driven landscape. Listeners will gain insights into the future of cybersecurity, including industry disruptions expected by 2026 and the significance of dynamic governance. Sivan's passion for fostering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals shines through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and security.

30 min
Mar 11

AI, Venture Capital, and Startup Resilience with Charlie Federman

In this episode of Hot in Tech, hosts David Leichner and Yitzy Tannenbaum sit down with Charlie Federman, partner at SilverTech Ventures, to discuss how startups can succeed in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. Charlie shares lessons from his decades in technology and venture capital, explaining why strong relationships, trust, and mentorship are essential to building successful companies. The conversation explores the growing impact of AI on business models, the realities of raising and deploying capital, and why resilience and capital efficiency matter more than ever for founders. They also discuss SilverTech’s founder first philosophy, the role of community in supporting entrepreneurs, and how startups can navigate shifting market conditions while building sustainable long term growth.

42 min
Mar 4

Quantum Computing Is Closer Than You Think | Tal David, Quantum Art

In this episode of hot-in-tech, hosts David Leichner and Yitzy Tannenbaum interview Tal David, CEO of Quantum Art, a pioneering quantum computing company that recently raised $100 million in a Series A round. Tal shares his background in quantum physics, government-led innovation, and applied research, and discusses how quantum computing is evolving from academic theory into practical applications. The conversation explores the rapid progress in the field, the growing interest from investors, and what it will take to reach true quantum advantage.

36 min
Feb 24

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 8 $𝟭𝗕+ 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀? 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗻

🔥𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 $𝟭𝗕+ 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀? 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗻 𝗡𝘆𝗲🔥 In our latest 𝘩𝘰𝘵-𝘪𝘯-𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩 episode, Yitzy Tannenbaum and David Leichner sat down with Benjamin Nye, six-time Forbes 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁 investor and Managing Partner at Venture Guides, who has helped launch and scale eight companies that reached $𝟭𝗕+ 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. Ben has helped build category-defining companies including LinkedIn, Docusign, Rapid7, and IBM SevOne. What makes his perspective especially powerful is his optimism grounded in real experience. After multiple technology cycles, he sees enormous opportunity ahead, especially for founders building with intention rather than hype. Three ideas that stood out: • Every new technology wave creates space for entirely new category-defining companies • The strongest founders win by obsessing over customers and building exceptional teams around a clear mission • AI is enabling a new generation of software companies designed from day one for speed, learning, and scale If you are serious about customers, building exceptional teams, and thinking big, Ben would love to hear from you at Venture Guides.

35 min
Feb 12

Before the Startup Nation Had a Name: David Assia on Building Tech History

From founding Israel’s first NASDAQ-listed software company to shaping the next generation of founders, David Assia shares hard-earned insights on building companies, spotting real innovation, and understanding what’s coming next in technology.

35 min
Feb 12

From Tesla Hacker to Cybersecurity Founder: David Colombo on AI and Building What Matters

In this episode of Hot in Tech, David Colombo shares his unconventional journey from a young Tesla hacker to the founder of Alaris Security. He discusses the transition from technical curiosity to making a global impact in cybersecurity, the advantages of non-traditional paths for founders, and the importance of communication in tech. David also explores the future of AI in cybersecurity, the challenges of operationalizing new technologies, and the need for innovation over imitation in AI solutions.

50 min
Feb 12

Less Hype, More Signal: Introducing Hot-in-Tech

In this kickoff episode, Yitzy Tannenbaum and David Leichner introduce Hot-in-Tech, a podcast focused on real conversations with the people shaping technology. They share what they’re building, why now is the moment, and how the show cuts through noise to focus on what actually matters.

14 min

12 Episodes

Hot-in-Tech goes beyond the headlines to explore the people and signals behind what’s actually hot in technology. Through candid conversations with top VCs, founders, and executives, we unpack how they got into the rooms that matter, the bets that paid off (and the ones that didn’t), and what’s coming next, long before it becomes consensus. Less hype. More signal.

Creator

David Leichner
Years Active

2K
Episodes

12
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 David Leichner
Show Website

Hot-in-Tech