Episode #13 - Three Breakthroughs: College Sports Turn Pro, Miles Per Gallon, and Ethereum ETFs

Tech Optimist Podcast — Tech, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation

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Join Alumni Ventures’ Mike Collins and Drew Wandzilak on the Tech Optimist podcast as they discuss three breakthroughs. First, they explore the new compensation model for NCAA athletes, which promises to transform collegiate sports. Next, they debate the relevance of the ‘miles per gallon’ standard in today’s push for greater fuel efficiency. Finally, they delve into the world of finance with the emergence of Ethereum ETFs, marking a significant step towards cryptocurrency acceptance in mainstream investment. Tune in to discover how these innovations are shaping the future.

Episode #13: Three Breakthroughs

College Sports Turn Pro, Miles Per Gallon Becomes Outdated, and Ethereum ETFs

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In this episode, we explore:
  1. New Compensation Model for NCAA Athletes: They explore how this model promises to transform collegiate sports.
  2. Relevance of the ‘Miles per Gallon’ Standard: They debate its relevance in today’s push for greater fuel efficiency.
  3. Emergence of Ethereum ETFs: They delve into the world of finance with this significant step towards cryptocurrency acceptance in mainstream investment.

Watch Time ~27 minutes

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).

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Creators and Guests

HOST

Mike Collins
CEO, and Co-Founder at Alumni Ventures

Mike has been involved in almost every facet of venturing, from angel investing to venture capital, new business and product launches, and innovation consulting. He is currently CEO of Alumni Ventures Group, the managing company for our fund, and launched AV’s first alumni fund, Green D Ventures, where he oversaw the portfolio as Managing Partner and is now Managing Partner Emeritus. Mike is a serial entrepreneur who has started multiple companies, including Kid Galaxy, Big Idea Group (partially owned by WPP), and RDM. He began his career at VC firm TA Associates. He holds an undergraduate degree in Engineering Science from Dartmouth and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

GUEST

Drew Wandzilak
Senior Associate, Alumni Ventures

Drew has worked in high-growth industries as both an investor and operator, focusing on how people and technology interact within organizations. His venture experience began at AV’s Seed Fund, identifying and supporting early stage founders across a variety of industries. This experience led him to join Holistic Industries, a leading private multi-state operator of cannabis cultivation facilities and dispensaries, where he focused on business intelligence, corporate development, and M&A. Prior to rejoining AV, he worked with the founding team of Mirage, an NFT marketplace and view layer for augmented reality assets. Drew has a BS from Northwestern University in Education and Social Policy with concentrations in Learning & Organizational Change and Entrepreneurship. He is also an ambassador of Northwestern’s Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and a member of Chicago Inno’s 25 under 25.

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