Podcast

In this this episode, Wesley Yiu interviewing Ali Hussain, CEO of Tabs, about how AI is revolutionizing B2B accounts receivable. Tabs uses AI-driven automation to accelerate payment collection, improve cash flow, and enhance revenue operations. Ali also shares his experience scaling Latch from seed to IPO, insights on fundraising, and the future of AI-native finance tools.

In this episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, Mike Collins and Lucas Pasch explore three major AI breakthroughs. Chinese startup DeepSeek challenges OpenAI with a high-performing model on a smaller budget. The U.S. launches Project Stargate, a $500 billion AI initiative. OpenAI introduces Operator, an AI assistant that takes action, not just responds. Tune in as they discuss the global impact of these advancements.

In this Blue Flame Thinkers episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, Drew Wandzilak sits down with award-winning journalist and author Ernest Scheyder to explore the high-stakes global battle for critical minerals. Scheyder shares insights from his book, The War Below, tackling supply chains, resource extraction, and energy security.

In this Meet the Startup episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, Ray Wu sits down with Todd Ruoff, CEO of Autonomys Labs, to explore how the company is revolutionizing AI and blockchain.

In this Three Breakthroughs episode of the Tech Optimist Podcast, Mike Collins and Lucas Pasch explore game-changing innovations. They dive into OpenAI’s Tasks feature, a step toward AI agents, wildfire prevention powered by AI and robotics, and neuroscience advancements like regenerative medicine and lab-grown brain cells. Join them as they break it all down!

Mike Collins and guest Lucas Pasch kick off 2025 with a dynamic exploration of transformative tech trends. They discuss AI’s explosive growth, from OpenAI’s groundbreaking updates to NVIDIA’s vision for physical AI, heralding a new era where robots think, adapt, and act. The conversation shifts to the implications of the recent net neutrality repeal, examining how it might reshape internet access and innovation. Finally, they highlight how advancements in drones and autonomous vehicles—like Amazon’s delivery program and Waymo’s self-driving taxis — are revolutionizing logistics and mobility. Get ready for an inspiring ride through the future of technology!

In this episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, Chad Gerstensang, co-founder and CEO of UNIXi, discusses how the company is revolutionizing cybersecurity. UNIXi offers integration-free technology for universal single sign-on (SSO) to protect enterprises from social engineering attacks like phishing and credential theft. The company fills critical gaps in identity and access management, helping businesses securely manage applications, especially in industries like healthcare and finance.

In this episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, co-founder Alan Orwick discusses Quai Network’s innovative approach to blockchain scalability and decentralization. Using a unique proof-of-entropy consensus mechanism and a three-by-three hierarchical chain structure, Quai achieves 50,000 transactions per second, addressing the blockchain “trilemma” of scalability, security, and decentralization. With $15 million in funding, Quai is also introducing an energy-based stablecoin, pushing the boundaries of blockchain technology and digital currency.

In this episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, Mike Collins interviews Andy Hamilton, CEO and Co-Founder of the Chicago-based startup When. The company focuses on transforming employee offboarding by offering solutions like health insurance alternatives, 401k rollovers, and career resources to turn transitions into strategic advantages. Andy discusses how personal experiences shaped the company’s mission to create meaningful last impressions and address trends in workforce turnover and employee needs.

Mike Collins and Naren Ramaswamy discuss three transformative AI advancements, including AI scaling debates, AlphaFold 3’s impact on molecular biology, and the development of AI agents that could revolutionize productivity and trust.

In this episode of The Tech Optimist, Laura Rippy interviews Andreas Mjelde, CEO and Co-Founder of Two, a FinTech platform transforming B2B commerce with instant trade credit, fraud detection, and streamlined payments. Andreas discusses Two’s innovative solutions and its success in industries like food service and automotive, while outlining the vision to revolutionize net terms payments globally.

In this episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, Paul Lwin, CEO of HavocAI, discusses the company’s groundbreaking work with autonomous Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) and its role in revolutionizing maritime operations. He shares his journey from Myanmar refugee to tech leader, and highlights HavocAI’s involvement in the Department of Defense’s Replicator Initiative and its mission to provide scalable, cost-effective solutions for both defense and commercial sectors.