YDIW Ep 16 - Startups, Air Quality, and Goals with Pollen Sense CEO Kris
Episode description
In this episode, we're joined by Kris Klein, the CEO of Pollen Sense, a deep-tech company poised to change our understanding of the air we breathe. Kris shares her unique journey from a 25-year career in sales and new business development to taking the helm as CEO.
Discover how Pollen Sense is revolutionizing environmental monitoring by using an AI-enabled platform and optical microscopy to provide real-time, hourly data on airborne particles like pollen, mold, and dust. Kris explains how this "ground truth" data is a game-changer for public health, agriculture, and individuals suffering from allergies and asthma, offering actionable insights that were previously unavailable.
Kris also dives into the startup world, discussing her experience with the HealthWildcatters accelerator program, the current fundraising climate, and the importance of demonstrating traction to investors. She offers a candid perspective on the challenges and opportunities of being a female CEO in the tech industry, a space where only an estimated 10-14% of startups are led by women.
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