Your Window Into the Innovation Economy

Blogs, Webinars and Podcasts covering technology, start-ups, and venture investing

Sort by

September 6, 20242 min read
Episode #49: Meet the Startup Building Secure Data Warehouses for Our Ever-Changing World
In this episode of the Tech Optimist podcast, Managing Partner Ray Wu sits down with Nate Holiday, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Space and Time as they discuss their innovative decentralized data warehouse designed for blockchain and AI applications, emphasizing transparency and tamper-proof data processing. Space and Time’s recent Series A funding will help expand customer adoption and accelerate development of their unique Proof of SQL technology for verifiable database operations.
by Alumni Ventures
September 5, 20242 min read
Alumni Ventures Backs Solsten to Revolutionize AI-Driven Psychological Insights
Alumni Ventures (AV), one of the world’s most active venture capital firms, is a proud investor in Solsten. The company is at the forefront of AI-driven psychological insights, transforming how businesses understand and engage with their customers. AV has made multiple investments in Solsten, most recently a $21.8 million Series B led by Konvoy with participation from Inventure, GFR Fund, Washington Harbour, Sisu Game Ventures, Galaxy Interactive, Dentsu Ventures, and Warburg Serres.
by Alumni Ventures
September 5, 20247 min read
The Loneliness Trade
As loneliness emerges as a significant public health crisis, venture capital firms are increasingly investing in startups that are developing innovative solutions to tackle this widespread issue. A 2024 American Psychiatric Association poll revealed that nearly one-third of U.S. adults experience loneliness at least once a week, with severe consequences for mental and physical health. The U.S. Surgeon General has highlighted the link between loneliness and increased risks of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and premature death. Recognizing the magnitude of this crisis, venture capitalists are backing companies focused on mental health, community-building technologies, and elder care. These investments are not only addressing the root causes of loneliness but are also fostering a more connected and resilient society.
by Michael Collins
September 5, 20242 min read
Episode #48: Three Breakthroughs: Tech Bro Cities, Making Money in Space, and AI Recruiting Is Already Here
Back with a ‘Three Breakthroughs’ episode of the AV Tech Optimist podcast, where Mike Collins and Mike Peri unpack three exciting innovations set to reshape our world. First up is the California Forever Utopia City, a bold experiment in sustainable urban living that promises to revolutionize how we build communities. Next, they journey to the moon, exploring newly discovered lava tubes that could support future lunar habitats. They round off the discussion by examining the impact of AI on hiring practices, considering its potential to transform recruitment and the ethical challenges it poses.
by Alumni Ventures
September 5, 20243 min read
AV Essential Reads: Decoding the Economy’s Emotional Pulse
With her writings and a viral online presence, Gen X’s favorite economist reveals how subjective perceptions influence real-world outcomes just as much as objective data.
by Alumni Ventures
September 4, 20242 min read
Tech Optimist Episode #47: Sahara AI: The Company Creating a Collaborative AI Economy
In this episode of the Tech Optimist, Alumni Ventures’ Managing Partner Ray Wu discusses the future of AI sovereignty with Sean Ren, CEO and co-founder of Sahara AI, as they discuss how Saraha AI covers the intricate balance between advancing AI technology and ensuring ethical standards and user privacy are maintained. Dive into a detailed discussion on how Sahara AI is shaping a new landscape where technology meets user empowerment and security.
by Alumni Ventures
September 1, 20244 min read
How AV’s Blockchain & Fintech Team Helps Web3 Startups Thrive
Alumni Ventures’ Blockchain & Fintech Fund team has developed strong relationships with innovative companies delivering cutting-edge AI and blockchain infrastructure and services for banking, insurance, supply chains, healthtech, retail, and more. We strive to go beyond providing capital and serve as a trusted partner to entrepreneurs as they navigate their startup journey. AV and our Blockchain & Fintech Fund team bring an extensive ecosystem network, our 750K+ community members, and our experience and expertise to help entrepreneurs and our portfolio companies grow faster. Below are quotes from Blockchain & Fintech Fund portfolio companies discussing the benefits of their relationship with AV and our team.*
by Alumni Ventures
August 30, 20245 min read
The Future of Work: Challenges and Solutions
The future of work is rapidly evolving, driven by new technologies, evolving economic conditions, and shifting societal expectations. This transition towards more adaptable, technology-focused, and employee-centered environments presents both opportunities and challenges for workers and organizations alike. Traditional jobs are undergoing significant transformations, fundamentally altering how, where, and why we work.
by Jason Bird
August 30, 20242 min read
Tech Optimist Episode #46: High-Tech, High-Touch: How Salvo Health is Transforming Chronic Care
In this episode of The Tech Optimist, Mike Collins, CEO at Alumni Ventures, interviews Jeff Glueck, Founder & CEO at Salvo Health, about how their multidisciplinary interventions, grounded in rigorous clinical evidence from top medical researchers, bridge the gap between appointments by focusing on diet, nutrition, microbiome health, stress management, and overall lifestyle changes. Tune in to discover how Salvo Health is not just changing healthcare practices, but fundamentally improving lives through its innovative approach to chronic condition management.
by Alumni Ventures
August 29, 20242 min read
Alumni Ventures Invests in Sinn Studio’s Spatial Computing Platform for XR Gaming
Alumni Ventures (AV), one of the world’s most active venture capital firms, is a proud investor in Sinn Studio. A trailblazer in the spatial computing and immersive entertainment industry, Sinn is redefining how users experience virtual reality through innovative combat-centric applications on Meta, PlayStation, and ByteDance platforms. AV invested in the company’s $2.5 million seed round led by Hartmann Capital, with participation from Boost VC, Republic, Mana Ventures, MetaVision, and industry angels like Chris Ye of Uken Games.
by Alumni Ventures
August 29, 20242 min read
Episode #45: Three Breakthroughs: 1 billion robots by 2030, Sodium Batteries?, 529s are dead
In the latest episode of the AV Tech Optimist podcast, ‘Three Breakthroughs’ segment, Mike Collins and Mike Peri discuss the transformative potential of AI in education, focusing on Sal Khan’s new book and AI tools like Khanmigo that enhance learning. They also explore breakthroughs in energy storage with sodium-based batteries, which could revolutionize renewable energy by offering a more sustainable and affordable alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
by Alumni Ventures
August 27, 20245 min read
The Professionalism of College Sports
Discover how the recent NCAA settlement is transforming college athletics, enabling direct payments to athletes and redefining revenue sharing. This historic change promises to revolutionize the financial dynamics of collegiate sports.
by Keaton Nankivil

23 of 117