Tech Optimist: An Alumni Ventures Podcast

Alumni Ventures
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Tech Optimist: An Alumni Ventures Podcast

The Tech Optimist podcast focuses on the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. True to our name, we are passionate about technology and its potential to drive positive change. We explore our lane through interviews with startup founders, VCs, and futurists; discussions of new innovations; and reviews of trends in tech and venture. The show is produced by Alumni Ventures, which has been recognized as a "Top 20 Venture Firm" by CB Insights ('24) and as the "#1 Most Active Venture Firm in the US" by Pitchbook ('22 & '23). Alumni Ventures is a disruptive startup, founded in 2014 to democratize venture capital, and was built from the ground up to make this asset class more accessible for individual accredited investors. We have raised $1.25B+ from 10K+ individuals, invested in 1,300+ companies, and built a 625K network of supporters. Our community is our secret sauce. To learn more, visit us at www.av.vc.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    #87 - Meet the Startup Changing How We Authenticate Everything

    In this Meet the Startup episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, Lucas Pasch sits down with Chad Gerstensang, co-founder and CEO of UNIXi, to explore how the company is redefining cybersecurity. Chad explains how UNIXi’s integration-free technology delivers universal single sign-on (SSO) to protect enterprises against social engineering attacks like phishing and credential theft. By addressing critical gaps in identity and access management solutions, UNIXi empowers businesses to secure every application seamlessly. Tune in to learn how UNIXi is shaping the future of cybersecurity and gaining traction in industries like healthcare and finance. To Learn More: Alumni Ventures (AV)AV LinkedInAV Deep Tech FundTech OptimistUNIXiLegal Disclosure: https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosuresCreators & Guests Chad Gerstensang - Guest Lucas Pasch - Guest

    24 min

  2. 12/20/2024

    #86 - Meet the Startup Redefining Blockchain Speed and Decentralization

    In this Meet the Startup episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, we spotlight Quai Network, a trailblazer in blockchain scalability and decentralization. Co-founder Alan Orwick joins host Ray Wu to share how Quai's innovative approach, including their groundbreaking proof-of-entropy consensus mechanism and three-by-three hierarchical chain structure, achieves an astounding 50,000 transactions per second. Backed by $15 million in funding, Quai Network is addressing blockchain's "trilemma"—scalability, security, and decentralization—while introducing an energy-based stablecoin that reimagines digital currency. Dive into this exciting conversation with Ray and Alan about the future of blockchain and how Quai is leading the charge to unlock the technology's full potential. To Learn More: Alumni Ventures (AV)AV LinkedInAV Blockchain and Fintech FundTech OptimistQuai NetworkLegal Disclosure: https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosuresCreators & Guests Ray Wu - Guest Alan Orwick - Guest

    24 min

  3. 12/17/2024

    #85 - Meet the Startup Turning Employee Departures Into Brand-Building Opportunities

    In this Meet the Startup episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, Mike Collins, CEO and Founder of Alumni Ventures, sits down with Andy Hamilton, CEO and Co-Founder of When, a Chicago-based startup transforming the often-overlooked process of employee offboarding. When helps employers turn transitions into strategic advantages by providing seamless solutions for health insurance alternatives, 401k rollovers, career resources, and more. Andy shares how personal experiences inspired the company’s mission to ensure last impressions are as impactful as first ones, while addressing critical trends in workforce turnover and the evolving needs of modern employees. Join Mike and Andy as they discuss When's innovative approach to building a better offboarding experience and the value of treating every employee transition with care and purpose. To Learn More: Alumni Ventures (AV)AV LinkedInAV Deep Tech FundTech OptimistWhenLegal Disclosure: https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosuresCreators & Guests Mike Collins - Host Andy Hamilton - Guest Shail Highbloom - Producer Sam Herrick - Producer Keith Murphy - Producer Jeannie Masters - Producer Kirsten Bannan - Producer

    34 min

  4. 12/12/2024

    #84 - Three Breakthroughs: AlphaFold 3

    In this Three Breakthroughs episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, host Mike Collins, Founder and CEO of Alumni Ventures, is joined by Senior Principal Naren Ramaswamy to explore three transformative advancements in artificial intelligence. The conversation covers the debate over AI scaling approaches, the revolutionary impact of AlphaFold 3 in molecular biology and drug discovery, and the rapid development of AI agents that promise to redefine productivity and trust. This episode offers an inspiring look at how these innovations are shaping the future of science, technology, and human collaboration. To Learn More: Alumni Ventures (AV)AV LinkedInAV Deep Tech FundTech OptimistLegal Disclosure: https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosuresCreators & Guests Mike Collins - Host Naren Ramaswamy - Guest Sam Herrick - Producer

    28 min

  5. 12/10/2024

    #83 - Introducing Two: The Fintech Making B2B Purchases As Easy as B2C

    In this Meet the Startup episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, Laura Rippy, Managing Partner at Alumni Ventures, interviews Andreas Mjelde, CEO and Co-Founder of Two, a groundbreaking FinTech platform transforming B2B commerce. Two offers instant trade credit with fraud detection and streamlined payment processing, enabling businesses to operate more efficiently and scale globally. Andreas shares insights on Two’s innovative solutions, including its success in industries like food service and automotive, and its vision of building a network that revolutionizes net terms payments. Discover how Two is simplifying B2B transactions and driving the future of business payments. To Learn More: Alumni Ventures (AV)AV LinkedInYard VenturesTech OptimistTwoLegal Disclosure: https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosuresCreators & Guests Laura Bordewieck Rippy - Guest Andreas Mjelde - Guest Sam Herrick - Producer

    27 min

  6. 12/09/2024

    #82 - Meet the Startup Innovating Naval Operations With Uncrewed AI-Driven Ships

    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 LinkedInAV Deep Tech FundTech OptimistHavocAILegal Disclosure: https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosuresCreators & Guests Paul Lwin - Guest Ryan Musto - Host Shail Highbloom - Producer Keith Murphy - Producer David Carey - Producer Jeannie Masters - Producer Kirsten Bannan - Producer Sam Herrick - Producer

    36 min

  7. 12/07/2024

    #81 - Three Breakthroughs: AI and Careers for College Grads

    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 LinkedInAV Deep Tech FundTech OptimistLegal Disclosure: https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosuresCreators & Guests Mike Collins - Host Naren Ramaswamy - Guest Shail Highbloom - Producer Keith Murphy - Producer Jeannie Masters - Producer Kirsten Bannan - Producer John Harrison - Editor Sam Herrick - Producer

    42 min

  8. 11/26/2024

    #80 - Meet the Startup Revolutionizing Perishable eCommerce Fulfillment

    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 LinkedInAV Seed FundTech OptimistColdcartLegal Disclosure: https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosuresCreators & Guests Jason Bird - Guest Jason Park - Guest Sam Herrick - Producer Shail Highbloom - Producer David Carey - Producer Keith Murphy - Producer Jeannie Masters - Producer Kirsten Bannan - Producer

    17 min
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About

The Tech Optimist podcast focuses on the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. True to our name, we are passionate about technology and its potential to drive positive change. We explore our lane through interviews with startup founders, VCs, and futurists; discussions of new innovations; and reviews of trends in tech and venture. The show is produced by Alumni Ventures, which has been recognized as a "Top 20 Venture Firm" by CB Insights ('24) and as the "#1 Most Active Venture Firm in the US" by Pitchbook ('22 & '23). Alumni Ventures is a disruptive startup, founded in 2014 to democratize venture capital, and was built from the ground up to make this asset class more accessible for individual accredited investors. We have raised $1.25B+ from 10K+ individuals, invested in 1,300+ companies, and built a 625K network of supporters. Our community is our secret sauce. To learn more, visit us at www.av.vc.

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