Your Window Into the Innovation Economy

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

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July 3, 20243 min read
“Exceptional” Not “Exceptions”
Only 1% of US businesses earn venture capital backing. And only 2% of those companies have female-only founders. The female leaders of venture capital-backed companies are not only Exceptions – they are Exceptional.
by Laura Bordewieck Rippy
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 Webinar - July 29th 2024
Navigating the Deep Tech Ecosystem with Wiz
Explore the forefront of tech innovation with our on-demand webinar, “Navigating the Deep Tech Ecosystem with Wiz.”
by Alumni Ventures
July 3, 20243 min read
Hungry for Change: Software Innovators Eye Government as the Next Frontier
Software is about to eat the government. From precinct to Pentagon, Capitol Hill to city hall — government operations are an “all-you-can-eat buffet” for voracious software innovators. Use cases are largely untouched, except for some legacy original-generation software systems. But with AI and next-gen cloud capabilities, software-first innovators are lining up, licking lips and prepping to chow down to disrupt government operations with technology.
by Pete Mathias
July 3, 20242 min read
Episode #23: Three Breakthroughs: Regulatory Pushback, Glassy Gels, and the Year of the Drone
Join Alumni Ventures’ Mike Collins and Managing Partner Matt Caspari in this enlightening episode of the Tech Optimist as they delve into three significant breakthroughs. First, explore the recent U.S. appeals court decision that crucially impacts venture capital and private equity. Next, discover the revolutionary ‘glassy gels,’ a material innovation that blends the hardness of plastics with the flexibility of gels, promising advances in robotics, healthcare, and sports equipment. Lastly, learn why this year could be labeled the year of the drone, as these versatile machines extend beyond military uses to solve real-world commercial challenges. Tune in to see how these breakthroughs are reshaping industries and potentially transforming our daily lives.
by Alumni Ventures
July 2, 20245 min read
Will the Next Silicon Valley Be in the U.S. Heartland?
In the past decade, VC has broadened its reach beyond traditional hubs such as Silicon Valley and the Boston-New York-Washington Corridor, as significant startup ecosystems have popped up across the country’s midsection.
by Ron Levin
Watch
 Webinar - July 18th 2024
An Introduction to Allen Street Ventures
Watch an on-demand presentation on Allen Street Ventures, Alumni Ventures’ fund for Penn State alumni and friends of the community. The discussion is led by Managing Partner Ray Wu.
by Alumni Ventures
July 1, 20242 min read
Episode #22: Is Your Solar ROI as Bright as Promised?
In this episode of the Tech Optimist, join Alumni Ventures’ Managing Partner Greg Baker as he explores the transformational impact of Enact Systems with CEO Deep Chakraborty. Learn how Enact is revolutionizing the solar energy sector by automating and simplifying the consumer journey for solar and battery storage projects.
by Alumni Ventures
June 28, 20242 min read
Episode #21: Transforming 911: The New Company Updating These Lifesaving Calls
Join Mike Collins on the Tech Optimist as he explores Rapid SOS’ revolutionary impact on emergency responses with CEO Michael Martin. Learn how this innovative company utilizes AI and data from connected devices to provide critical information to first responders, enhancing public safety and reshaping emergency communications globally. Hear inspiring stories of lives saved through advanced technology, from pinpointing accurate emergency locations to facilitating rapid medical interventions.
by Alumni Ventures
June 27, 202412 min read
How Do You Use AI?
In recent years, venture capitalists (VCs) have increasingly integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into their investment strategies to enhance decision-making, from discovering high-potential startups to effectively managing their portfolios. According to Gartner, by 2025, more than 75% of venture capital and early-stage investor executive reviews will be informed using AI and data analytics.
by Sophia Zhao
June 27, 20242 min read
Episode #20: Three Breakthroughs: Nuclear Is Back, Non-GMO Rice Innovation, and a Radical Approach to Antibiotic Discovery
This week on the Tech Optimist podcast, we explore three groundbreaking innovations poised to reshape our world. First, we delve into how UC Berkeley researchers are harnessing CRISPR technology to revolutionize rice cultivation, aiming to significantly boost yields and enhance resilience against environmental stresses. Next, we take a closer look at TerraPower’s ambitious project in Wyoming where an advanced nuclear power plant is setting the stage for a future of safe, sustainable, and carbon-free energy. Lastly, we venture into the cutting-edge realm of deep learning at the University of Pennsylvania, where scientists are reviving ancient molecular structures to tackle modern medical challenges, including the global fight against antibiotic resistance. Join us!
by Alumni Ventures
June 26, 20243 min read
Alumni Ventures at Early Stage LA
Alumni Ventures played a pivotal role in Early Stage LA, a month-long initiative aimed at revitalizing early-stage startup investment in Los Angeles. They actively engaged in sponsorships, panel discussions, and facilitated connections, emphasizing their commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Southern California’s startup ecosystem.
by Alumni Ventures
June 25, 20243 min read
VC Masterclass: The Art of Evaluating a Deal — Part 4
In the final installment of our Masterclass series on The Art of Evaluating a Deal focuses on the importance of assessing CEOs and their teams. Key points include emphasizing “founder-market fit” and scrutinizing team dynamics.
by Mark D. Edwards

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