Tech Optimist: An Alumni Ventures Podcast

The Tech Optimist podcast focuses on the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. True to our name, we are passionate about technology and its potential to drive positive change. We explore our lane through interviews with startup founders, VCs, and futurists; discussions of new innovations; and reviews of trends in tech and venture.

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). Alumni Ventures is a disruptive startup, founded in 2014 to democratize venture capital, and was built from the ground up to make this asset class more accessible for individual accredited investors. We have raised $1.25B+ from 10K+ individuals, invested in 1,300+ companies, and built a 625K network of supporters. Our community is our secret sauce.

To learn more, visit us at www.av.vc.

Last refreshed: August 15th, 2025 at 1:21 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

#12 - Breaking Congressional Gridlock

In this episode of the Tech Optimist podcast, Alumni Ventures Partner Pete Mathias interviews Nikhil Ajjarapu, CEO and Co-founder of Rescript. They explore how Rescript utilizes AI to streamline government operations and make congressional hearings more accessible. Discover how this technology enhances public engagement and promotes transparency, providing citizens and organizations with clear, actionable insights. To Learn More: -- Alumni Ventures (AV): www.av.vc -- AV LinkedIn: www.linkedin.co...

Jun 11, 2024•14 min

#11 - Three Breakthroughs: Huge Oil Found in Antarctica, Apple and AI, Warp Drive Breakthrough

In this episode of the Tech Optimist podcast, Mike Collins and Drew Wandzilak (Senior Associate at AV) explore three pivotal technological developments. They cover the massive oil deposits discovered off the coast of Antarctica and the potential geopolitical impacts, Apple's anticipated moves in AI and privacy enhancements, and revolutionary scientific developments in warp drive technology for interstellar travel. Join them as they delve into these exciting technological breakthroughs and their ...

Jun 09, 2024•26 min

#10 - GLP-1: A VC’s Personal Experience

In this episode of the Tech Optimist podcast, Grant Demeter (Principal at AV) interviews Mike Collins about his personal experience with Mounjaro. They discuss the drug's impact on Mike's health, the broader implications for the healthcare and investment sectors, and the future potential of GLP-1 treatments. To Learn More: -- Alumni Ventures (AV): www.av.vc -- AV LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/alumniventures -- AV Healthtech Fund: www.av.vc/HealthTech -- Tech Optimist: www.techoptimist.vc Sp...

Jun 08, 2024•36 min

#9 - Three Breakthroughs: Brain Computers, Ohalo, & Manipulating Weather

In this episode of the Tech Optimist podcast, Mike Collins and Drew Wandzilak (Senior Associate at AV) discuss three groundbreaking advancements. They cover Neuralink's progress with FDA approval for a second patient, innovations in food breeding by the company Ohalo, and climate modification techniques involving cloud seeding. Join them as they delve into these exciting technological breakthroughs and their potential global impacts. To Learn More: -- Alumni Ventures (AV): www.av.vc -- AV Linked...

Jun 06, 2024•23 min

#8 - One Startup to Know: UserHub

In this episode of the Tech Optimist podcast, Mike Collins sits down with Patrick Rafferty, Founder/CEO of UserHub, to discuss the innovative subscription management solutions UserHub provides for small and medium-sized businesses. They delve into the evolution of buying experiences, the challenges and surprises of building UserHub, and the future potential of AI in the space. Tune in to learn how UserHub is leveling the playing field for SaaS companies and how AI might shape the entrepreneurial...

Jun 04, 2024•23 min

#7 - Future You is Begging for a Financial Plan

In this episode of the Tech Optimist podcast, host Mike Collins and AV Senior Associate Drew Wandzilak discuss three significant tech breakthroughs, including advancements in drug discovery and AI. The second segment features an insightful interview with Itamar Benedy, Co-Founder & CEO of Anzu.io, where he talks about the future of in-game advertising. Finally, Steve Chen, Founder & CEO of NewRetirement, shares how his company uses AI to create comprehensive financial planning models, ma...

May 28, 2024•1 hr 22 min

#6 - You're The Weak Link

In this episode, AV CEO Mike Collins interviews David DellaPelle about his experience building Dune Security, which addresses a staggeringly prevalent cause of cybersecurity breaches: employee error. Next, AV Partner Pete Mathias dives into Multitude Insights with its co-founder Matthew White, who is working to revolutionize information sharing between police departments. Finally, Collins and AV Senior Associate Drew Wandzilak discuss all things space: what's interesting, what's investable, and ...

May 21, 2024•1 hr 7 min

#5 - Net Zero Heroes: CarbonCapture Insights

In this captivating episode of the Tech Optimist, host Mike Collins engages in insightful discussions with pioneers who are not just thinking about the future, but actively shaping it. The first segment features Adam Oliner, CEO of Graft, who shares how AI is transforming practical business solutions. The conversation continues with Adrian Corless, CEO of CarbonCapture, discussing the impactful work his company is doing to combat climate change by removing carbon from the atmosphere. Finally, we...

May 14, 2024•1 hr 9 min

#4 - Dad Dies, Now The Work Starts

In this Tech Optimist episode, we dive into three segments that explore innovative technologies shaping our future. The first features Mike Collins discussing silicon photonics in medical diagnostics with Michael Dubrovsky of SiPhox, highlighting advances in home medical testing. In the second, Alexandra Mysoor from Alix shares how her company is transforming estate settlement. The final segment brings insights from a conversation between Mike and Naren Ramaswamy, discussing the broader impacts ...

May 07, 2024•1 hr 5 min

#3 - Divorcing Divorce Lawyers

In this episode of Tech Optimist, we explore transformative technology and entrepreneurship. First, AV Partner Pete Mathias discusses the future of AI infrastructure with Brian Mengwasser, CEO of Edgescale AI. Next, AV CEO Mike Collins and Principal Naren Ramaswamy dive into pressing topics for entrepreneurs and VCs. Finally, Erin Levine, CEO of Hello Divorce, shares innovative approaches to improving and simplifying the divorce process. To Learn More: -- Alumni Ventures (AV): www.av.vc -- AV Li...

Apr 30, 2024•1 hr 9 min

#2 - Not Your Grandpa’s Nuclear Reactor

Join Alumni Ventures (AV) Associate Drew Wandzilak in a compelling discussion on nuclear energy with Aalo Atomics Founder & CEO Matt Loszak. Then, hear from AV Co-Founder & CEO Mike Collins in a chat with AV Principal Naren Ramaswamy on the latest in VC. Finally, learn from Amogha Tadimety, Co-Founder & CEO of Nanopath, as she dives into her experience founding a molecular diagnostics company aimed at improving women’s health. To Learn More: -- Alumni Ventures (AV): www.av.vc -- AV U...

Apr 23, 2024•1 hr 5 min

#1 - High Heels on the Job Site

Join Mike Collins, co-founder and CEO of Alumni Ventures (AV), as he delves into discussions with Bundle founder Janna Wanzdilak on her pioneering tech company, AV Principal Naren Ramaswamy on trending VC topics, and AV Managing Partner Laura Rippy on the evolving role of women in the venture ecosystem. To Learn More: -- Alumni Ventures (AV): www.av.vc -- AV Women's Fund: www.av.vc/Womens -- AV AI Fund: www.av.vc/AIRobotics -- AV Doctors Innovate Fund is now called AV Healthtech Fund: www.av.vc/...

Apr 16, 2024•59 min

Trailer

In a world captivated by criticism and negative clickbait headlines, it's easy to overlook the scope and power of technologies propelling us forward. At Tech Optimist, we delve into the vibrant intersection of technology and entrepreneurship, shining a light on innovators who are building a better future. As members of the most active venture capital firm in the United States, our unique vantage point offers us insights into the real world impact of technology. Join us as we explore, celebrate, ...

Apr 11, 2024•50 sec

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