Tech Optimist: An Alumni Ventures Podcast

In this Meet the Startup episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, we dive into the innovative world of carbon capture with Cameron Halliday, co-founder and CEO of Mantel. Joined by Alumni Ventures Managing Partner Chris Sklarin, Cameron discusses Mantel’s groundbreaking technology that leverages molten salt-based materials to capture CO2 emissions from industrial sources like cement and steel plants. This conversation covers how Mantel is drastically reducing carbon capture costs and making this essential climate solution more scalable and energy-efficient. They also explore the company's rapid progress, including a recent $30 million Series A funding round, and how Mantel is preparing for commercial-scale deployment. Listen in to discover how Mantel’s advancements are positioned to play a critical role in decarbonizing heavy industries.

To Learn More:

• Alumni Ventures (AV)
• AV LinkedIn
• AV Deep Tech Fund
• Tech Optimist
• Mantel

Speakers:

• Chris Sklarin
• Cameron Halliday

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Intro
• (04:41) - Interview
• (31:06) - Cameron's Ask
• (32:02) - Closing

Legal Disclosure:

• https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosures

In this Meet the Startup episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, Naren Ramaswamy hosts Tanay Kothari, CEO and co-founder of Wispr AI, to discuss the future of voice technology. Wispr’s breakthrough product, Flow, is an AI-powered voice dictation platform designed to transform how people interact with their devices, making communication faster and more intuitive. Tanay shares his vision for creating technology that fades into the background, allowing users to focus on being present. They explore the inefficiencies of traditional typing and how Flow, by leveraging natural speech, can significantly boost productivity. This episode offers an inspiring look at how voice interfaces are set to revolutionize human-computer interaction, pushing us toward a screenless future.

To Learn More:

• Alumni Ventures (AV)
• AV LinkedIn
• AV Deep Tech Fund
• Tech Optimist
• Flow

Speakers:

• Naren Ramaswamy
• Tanay Kothari

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Intro
• (02:00) - Interview
• (27:43) - How can users try Flow?
• (30:25) - Closing

Legal Disclosure:

• https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosures

Join Alumni Ventures' Managing Partner Greg Baker on the Tech Optimist podcast as he chats with Charlie Silver, co-founder and CEO of Ruby Bio. Charlie shares how his company is redefining the chemical industry by replacing harmful petrochemicals with more sustainable alternatives. Ruby Bio uses a revolutionary platform to transform sugar into high-performance chemicals used in everyday products like detergents and shampoos. These innovations not only aim to enhance product quality but also significantly reduce environmental impact. Tune in to learn how Ruby Bio is paving the way for a cleaner, safer future, tackling some of the largest markets in the world with their sustainable solutions.

To Learn More:

• Alumni Ventures (AV)
• AV LinkedIn
• AV Seed Fund
• Ruby Bio
• Tech Optimist

Speakers:

• Greg Baker - Guest
• Charlie Silver - Guest

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Intro
• (01:34) - Interview
• (28:13) - Charlie's Ask
• (30:23) - Closing

Legal Disclosure:

• https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosures

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 by pushing back on regulatory overreach. 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.

To Learn More:

• Alumni Ventures (AV)
• AV LinkedIn
• AV US Strategic Tech Fund
• Tech Optimist

Speakers:

• Mike Collins - Host
• Matt Caspari - Guest

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Intro
• (02:08) - Regulatory Pushback
• (13:15) - Glassy Gels
• (22:28) - The Year of the Drone
• (28:08) - Closing

Legal Disclosure:

• https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosures

Join us on a thrilling exploration of electrified highways with Mike Collins, founder and CEO of Alumni Ventures, on this episode of the AV Tech Optimist podcast. Mike, along with Partner Mike Peri, discusses the groundbreaking development of roads that can charge your electric vehicle as you drive. This episode also highlights AI deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's treatment and the latest advancements in remote surgery technology. Tune in to episode 53 for an inspiring look at how infrastructure, technology, and health are merging to shape our future.

To Learn More:

• Alumni Ventures (AV)
• AV LinkedIn
• AV Deep Tech Fund
• Tech Optimist

Speakers:

• Mike Collins - Host
• Mike Peri- Guest

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Intro
• (02:55) - Roads that charge electric cars
• (15:22) - AI deep brain stimulation to treat Parkinson's
• (25:48) - High-tech surgery
• (39:12) - Closing

Legal Disclosure:

• https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosures