Three Breakthroughs: The Latest in AI, Net Neutrality, Drones
Tech Optimist Podcast — Tech, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
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!
Episode #88: The Latest in AI, Net Neutrality, and Drones
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This week on the Tech Optimist podcast, join Alumni Ventures’ Mike Collins and Lucas Pasch as they spotlight three transformative innovations:
- AI’s Explosive Growth: OpenAI’s groundbreaking updates and NVIDIA’s vision for physical AI, ushering in an era where robots think, adapt, and act.
- Net Neutrality Repeal: Examining its implications on internet access and innovation.
- Drones & Autonomous Vehicles: How advancements like Amazon’s delivery program and Waymo’s self-driving taxis are transforming logistics and mobility.
This episode offers an inspiring look at how AI, policy shifts, and autonomous technology are shaping the future. From groundbreaking advancements to real-world applications, explore the innovations that are redefining industries and everyday life. Tune in and stay ahead of the curve!
Watch Time ~31 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
Michael Collins
CEO, Alumni VenturesMike 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 the CEO of Alumni Ventures 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.
Lucas Pasch
Senior Principal, Purple Arch VenturesLucas brings an operator’s perspective to Venture Capital, having led teams at fast-growing startups in digital health, proptech, and retail. Most recently, he led BizOps at LetsGetChecked, an at-home lab diagnostics company that helps people detect conditions early and live longer lives. Lucas earned his MBA from Kellogg, where he focused on entrepreneurship and venture. During that time, he founded a marketplace for esports viewing events called FanHome, culminating in a first-place victory in The Garage’s summer accelerator demo day. Complementing that experience, Lucas worked part-time while in business school as an investment associate at MATH Venture Partners, where he focused on evaluating early-stage SaaS investments and developed a passion for venture. Prior to business school, Lucas cut his teeth in investment banking at KeyBanc Capital Markets, as well as on the strategy team at Trunk Club. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan.
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