Episódios
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Many in venture capital and biopharma are anointing artificial intelligence the savior of drug discovery—but what can AI actually do?
In this eye-opening episode, Michael Marks sits down with Mike Nohaile, CEO of Prellis Biologics, to explore the hype versus reality in AI-enabled drug discovery. Mike details why, despite significant breakthroughs like AlphaFold and recent Nobel Prize win for computational protein design, fully AI-generated medicines still present challenges. He also discusses why we urgently need more effective medicines and details Prellis’ unique system which combines laser printed human organoids and an externalized human immune system with AI, enabling the discovery of fully human antibodies.
If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits.
Links:
Explore Prellis Biologics
https://prellisbio.com/
Understand AlphaFold, DeepMind’s AI model for predicting protein structures
https://deepmind.google/alphafold
Read about the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/2024/press-release/
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Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace—what does that mean for the future of technology, venture capital, business, and even our understanding of ourselves?
Award-winning journalist and writer Anil Ananthaswamy joins us for our latest episode to discuss his latest book Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI.
Anil helps us explore the journey and many breakthroughs that have propelled machine learning from simple perceptrons to the sophisticated algorithms shaping today’s AI revolution, powering GPT and other models. The discussion aims to demystify some of the underlying mathematical concepts that power modern machine learning, to help everyone grasp this technology impacting our lives–even if your last math class was in high school.
Anil walks us through the power of scaling laws, the shift from training to inference optimization, and the debate among AI’s pioneers about the road to AGI—should we be concerned, or are we still missing key pieces of the puzzle? The conversation also delves into AI’s philosophical implications—could understanding how machines learn help us better understand ourselves? And what challenges remain before AI systems can truly operate with agency?
If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits.
Links:Read Why Machines Learn, Anil’s latest book on the math behind AI
https://www.amazon.com/Why-Machines-Learn-Elegant-Behind/dp/0593185749Learn more about Anil Ananthaswamy’s work and writing
https://anilananthaswamy.com/
Watch Anil Ananthaswamy’s TED Talk on AI and intelligence
https://www.ted.com/speakers/anil_ananthaswamy
Discover the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship that shaped Anil’s AI research
https://ksj.mit.edu/
Understand the Perceptron, the foundation of neural networks
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptron
Read about the Perceptron Convergence Theorem and its significance
https://www.nature.com/articles/323533a0
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With global economic alliances shifting and new threats emerging, will the U.S. maintain its dominance in an increasingly complex world?
From chips to cyberterrorist threats to cryptocurrency, battles for global dominance are no longer only fought on the battlefield—they're playing out in markets, boardrooms, and cyberspace. In this episode, we sit down with Juan Zarate, a key member of the post-9/11 Bush Administration team who architected how we combat terrorist financing and think about modern financial warfare.
We explore how the U.S. has used its economic dominance as a powerful weapon—and whether countries like China and Russia are now using the same playbook to push back. Juan shares insights on the weaponization of the dollar, how financial crime networks are evolving in the digital age, and why strategies around cryptocurrency could either threaten or reinforce U.S. economic power.
The conversation dives into the intersection of technology, economic, and national security strategy, tackling key issues like cyber threats, semiconductor supply chains, and the growing role of AI in financial security. Juan also introduces his latest venture, Consilient, which is pioneering federated AI to revolutionize the fight against financial crime.
If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and information about upcoming TechSurge Live Summits.
Links:
Check out our video episodes on YouTube
Follow Celesta Capital on LinkedIn and X
Discover how K2 Integrity is shaping the future of financial crime prevention and cybersecurity
https://www.k2integrity.com
Read Juan Zarate’s Treasury’s War to explore the rise of financial warfare in global security
https://www.amazon.com/Treasurys-War-Unleashing-Financial-Warfare/dp/1610391152Explore Consilient’s groundbreaking approach to financial crime detection using federated AI
https://www.consilient.com
Learn how Coinbase is driving the future of cryptocurrency and digital finance
https://www.coinbase.com
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The world is evolving faster than ever – how will we keep up?
From AI breakthroughs to global supply chain disruptions, the forces shaping business and technology today are relentless. In this episode of the TechSurge Deep Tech VC Podcast, we sit down with Bob Sternfels, Global Managing Partner of McKinsey & Company, the global consulting firm who has been on the frontlines of helping businesses and industries navigate relentless change for the past 100 years.We explore the shifting landscape of venture capital and opportunities for VCs, startups, and consultancies to explore new partnership models. Bob shares his view on shifting global supply chain strategies, why full economic decoupling between the U.S. and China is a dangerous and difficult proposition, and how India may be on track to become the economic powerhouse of the twenty-first century. The discussion digs into the complexities of housing affordability and why the future of housing insurance is at risk – could our homes of the future soon be uninsurable due to climate change?
Bob helps us dive into the evolving demands of 21st-century leadership, where resilience, adaptability, and even humor are becoming essential CEO traits. Bob explains why today’s leaders must rethink their approach to disruption, risk, and innovation – or risk being left behind.
If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and information about upcoming TechSurge Live Summits.
Links:
Check out our video episodes on YouTube
Follow Celesta Capital on LinkedIn and X
Learn more about Bob Sternfels’ leadership at McKinsey & Company
https://www.mckinsey.com/our-people/bob-sternfels
Explore McKinsey’s insights on AI and economic disruption
https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/the-economic-potential-of-generative-ai-the-next-productivity-frontier
Learn how climate change is affecting insurance markets
https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/risk-and-resilience/our-insights/navigating-shifting-risks-in-the-insurance-industry
Learn about India’s digital transformation through UPI and Aadhaar
https://www.npci.org.in/what-we-do/upi/product-overview
https://uidai.gov.in/
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The future of wireless technology is unfolding, are you ready for what's next?
How can Intel regain market dominance? How will AI and IOT shape the next generation of wireless? What are the challenges in transitioning to 5G, NextG, and beyond? How will academia and the startup world intersect in the 21st century economy?
We explore these questions and more in our latest episode of the TechSurge Deep Tech VC Podcast, as we sit down with Dr. Andrea Goldsmith, Dean of Princeton University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science and a pioneer in wireless communication. Dr. Goldsmith shares insights from her groundbreaking research in multi-antenna systems, the evolution of wireless networks, and the future of cellular technology. We explore her journey as a successful entrepreneur behind Quantenna and Plume WiFi, and her current leadership role as Dean working to build a vibrant engineering and startup ecosystem around Princeton. Dr. Goldsmith also shares her thoughts on the future of Intel, the strategic choices that lie ahead, and its important role within the U.S. tech economy, as well as the broader geopolitical landscape.Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe now and leave a review to help us grow! Join our newsletter for exclusive insights and upcoming TechSurge Live Summits at techsurgepodcast.com.
Links:
Check out our video episodes on YouTube
Follow Celesta Capital on LinkedIn and X
Learn more about Dr. Goldsmith’s pioneering research at Princeton: https://ece.princeton.edu/people/andrea-goldsmith
Discover Intel's latest innovations: https://www.intel.com/
Explore how Plume WiFi is redefining smart home connectivity: https://www.plume.com/
See how Medtronic is shaping the future of healthcare innovation: https://www.medtronic.com/
Experience the future of autonomous mobility with Zoox: https://zoox.com/
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In this episode, host Michael Marks dives into the transformative role of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Michael is joined by Dr. Alex Sardiña of WhiteRabbit.ai and Kalyan Sivasilam of 5C Network, two early adopters bringing AI to medicine through sharply contrasting market models in the U.S. and India, respectively. The discussion unpacks how AI is revolutionizing diagnostics, helping to address labor shortages, and improving patient experiences. Learn about breakthroughs in cancer detection, radiology efficiency, regulatory challenges, and the global potential of AI-driven solutions in medicine.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI in Healthcare
02:01 AI Applications in Cancer Detection
04:56 Addressing Radiologist Shortages with AI
07:47 The Reality of AI in Medical Imaging
12:06 Data Acquisition and Its Challenges
16:25 The Future of Radiologists in an AI World
22:00 Improving Accuracy in Medical Imaging with AI
23:25 AI in Diagnostic Imaging
25:18 Building vs. Partnering in AI Healthcare
29:40 Navigating Regulatory Environments
34:23 The Role of Insurance in AI Adoption
39:39 Overcoming Hurdles for AI Acceptance
43:56 Competition and Innovation in AI
Links
https://www.5cnetwork.com/
https://www.whiterabbit.ai/
Keywords
AI, healthcare, medical imaging, cancer detection, radiology, diagnostics, technology, healthcare investment, patient care, data acquisition, AI, healthcare, diagnostic imaging, regulatory environment, insurance, competition, innovation, technology, partnerships, patient care
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Host Sriram Viswanathan sits down with Qualcomm Chairman Mark McLaughlin, the former CEO of Palo Alto Networks and Verisign and a trailblazer in technology and cybersecurity. Mark shares his remarkable transition from West Point to the heights of the tech industry, drawing on the many powerful leadership lessons developed throughout his career. Mark shares advice on balancing family priorities and career choices, offering a deeply human perspective on leadership told through his unique experience of stepping down from Palo Alto Networks at the height of his prime as CEO. The discussion touches on the shifting terrain of cybersecurity, the growing influence of AI, and the complexities of board leadership during periods of CEO transition. This episode is packed with practical insights for anyone looking to navigate a c-suite career in tech.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mark McLaughlin
01:53 Mark's Journey from Military to Technology
06:13 The Evolution of Cybersecurity and Mark's Insights
12:02 The Five T's of Business Success
17:54 Leadership Lessons from West Point
24:11 Transitioning from CEO to Family Life
30:01 Board Dynamics and Leadership Transitions
36:12 The Intersection of AI and Cybersecurity
41:59 Personal Philosophy and Leadership Inspiration
Links
Qualcomm
Snowflake
Rubrik
Snorkel
Palo Alto Networks
Keywords
Mark McLaughlin, cybersecurity, technology, leadership, AI, venture capital, family, business success, board dynamics, personal philosophy
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Host Sriram Viswanathan speaks with Andy Lee and Anand Chandrasekaran from Crescendo AI about the transformative impact of AI on the customer service and call center industry. The conversation covers Crescendo's unique approach to integrating AI in business process outsourcing, the dynamics of the sector, and the potential future of human-AI collaboration. Discover how AI is poised to disrupt and enhance the BPO industry, and why Crescendo AI is at the forefront of this technological revolution.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI in Customer Service
02:48 Dynamics of the Contact Center Industry
06:09 Crescendo AI: Founders and Vision
08:58 AI's Impact on Customer Interactions
11:54 Technical Architecture of Crescendo AI
15:06 Market Strategy and Customer Experience
17:56 Scaling and Growth of Crescendo AI
21:03 Future of AI in Customer Service
24:00 Conclusion and Future Outlook
Links
https://crescendo.ai/
https://www.alorica.com/
https://www.generalcatalyst.com/
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Join host Michael Marks as he discusses the transformative potential of technology in the construction industry with leaders from three innovative companies: Ash Bhardwaj, CEO and co-founder of Onx Homes; Trevor Schick, CEO of Slate.ai; and Camilo Restrepo, CEO of Biomason. The conversation delves into the challenges of disrupting the construction sector, the roles of AI and data in improving productivity, and novel approaches to sustainability and affordability in home building. Explore the future of construction technology and the strides these companies are making towards resilient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly construction solutions.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Construction Technology Challenges
02:59 Innovative Approaches in Home Building
05:49 Data Utilization and AI in Construction
08:46 Sustainability in Construction Materials
11:57 Biomason's Unique Approach to Cement
14:56 Sustainability and Resilience in Home Building
18:06 Addressing Housing Affordability
22:43 Understanding Home Upkeep Costs
27:04 Innovative Building Practices for Resilience
28:12 Real Estate Insights and Affordability
31:37 Marketing Innovative Construction Solutions
37:56 The Future of Technology in Construction
Keywords
construction technology, home building, AI in construction, sustainability, carbon footprint, housing affordability, innovative materials, data utilization, construction industry challenges, emerging technologies, home building, construction innovation, affordability, insurance savings, energy efficiency, resilient homes, marketing strategies, technology in construction, generative AI, sustainable materials
Links
https://www.onxhomes.com/
https://slate.ai/
https://biomason.com/
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In this episode of TechSurge: The Deep Tech Podcast, host Nicholas Brathwaite of Celesta Capital speaks with Christian Mitchell, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Northwestern Mutual, about the profound digital transformation happening in the financial services and insurance sectors. The discussion covers how legacy systems are being modernized, the role of AI in enhancing underwriting and customer experiences, and the increasing importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding sensitive data.
Christian also shares insights on the evolution of FinTech startups and Northwestern Mutual’s approach to investing in and partnering with innovative tech companies, providing a deep dive into how technology is reshaping long-established industries while balancing innovation with regulatory and customer needs.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tech Surge and Industry Transformation
02:46 Legacy Technology vs. Digital Transformation in Financial Services
05:55 The Evolution of FinTech: From 1.0 to Current Trends
09:08 Leveraging Startups and Deep Tech for Innovation
11:58 Navigating Challenges in Digital Transformation
15:06 Talent Acquisition and Company Culture in Tech
18:01 The Role of the Innovation Lab in Driving Change
20:54 AI's Impact on Business Operations and Customer Experience
24:02 Addressing Privacy, Bias, and Ethical AI Implementation
26:58 Data Management Strategies: Cloud vs. On-Premise
29:47 Cybersecurity as a Collective Responsibility
Links
https://www.northwesternmutual.com/
https://fintechbreakthrough.com/2022-winners
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In this episode, we explore the future of mobility and AI with Aicha Evans, CEO of Zoox, a leading developer of autonomous robotaxis and an Amazon company. Joining Celesta Capital’s founding partner Sriram Viswanathan, Aicha shares her journey from Senegal to Silicon Valley, where she led groundbreaking innovations at Intel before taking the helm at Zoox.
Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities in autonomous transportation, the evolving role of AI in various industries, and the critical importance of safety, customer experience, and scaling in the robotaxi space.
Tune in for insights on the future of transportation and the transformative potential of AI in shaping our daily lives.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Aicha Evans and Zoox
02:02 Aicha's Journey from Senegal to Silicon Valley
05:47 Pioneering Wireless Technology at Intel
10:57 Intel's Challenges and the Evolution of AI
13:47 The Role of AI in Technology Companies
18:08 The Future of AI and Human Judgment
25:01 The Robotaxi Revolution and Zoox's Vision
30:06 Differentiating Zoox in the Robotaxi Market
37:01 Technology Behind Zoox's Robotaxi
44:01 Regulatory Challenges and Future Prospects
51:06 Zoox's Integration with Amazon and Future Milestones
Links
https://zoox.com/
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Will AI will take away all of our jobs? Is technology eroding privacy? Is the pace of technology advancement too fast?
We address these questions and more topics around global science and technology policy with Rob Atkinson, founder and president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. Speaking with Celesta Capital founding partner Nic Brathwaite, Rob dives into the intersection of technology, innovation, and public policy, covering topics such as ethical AI, the role of China in the global innovation race, and the realities facing smaller economies in blossoming into tech hubs. Rob shares his insights on innovation economics, government policy, and the critical role of entrepreneurs in shaping the future of tech.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to ITIF and Rob Atkinson
03:07 The Importance of Innovation in Economic Growth
05:59 Challenges for Smaller Economies in Innovation
09:09 Core Pillars of a Strong Innovation Economy
11:56 India's Potential in the Global Innovation Landscape
15:10 AI Development: Balancing Speed and Safety
18:00 Debunking Myths About Technology and Jobs
21:10 The Global Tech Landscape: US vs. China
24:02 Canada's Innovation Challenges and Opportunities
26:45 Building a Strong Innovation Ecosystem
30:07 The Role of Intellectual Property in Innovation
Linkshttps://itif.org/
https://itif.org/publications/2024/05/07/technology-fears-and-scapegoats/
https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262537100/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0300168993/
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Fred Thiel, Chairman and CEO of MARA Holdings, dives us into the world of blockchain and cryptocurrency mining. Fred discusses the technological advancements in Bitcoin mining, including significant improvements in energy efficiency, and provides insights into the future of Bitcoin, predicting substantial growth in its value and its linkages with AI inference data centers. He also explains the relationship between Bitcoin and global economic factors, the potential for regulatory changes, and the evolving role of cryptocurrencies in both developed and developing markets, highlighting Bitcoin’s growing role as a store of value and a driver of financial sovereignty in the digital age.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Understanding Bitcoin Mining and the Bitcoin Network
11:05 The State of the Blockchain and Crypto Industry Today
18:28 Bitcoin as a Store of Value and Inflation Hedge
24:51 Bitcoin's Role in the Developed and Undeveloped World
30:26 Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies: Financial Survival and Self-Sovereignty
33:17 Bitcoin Mining: Utilizing Excess Energy and Playing a Crucial Role
47:55 Bitcoin and AI: Intersecting as a Source of Truth and Power-Hungry Systems
51:43 Marathon: Building Symbiotic Relationships with AI Operators and Supplying Infrastructure
54:01 The Political Landscape: Republicans More Supportive, Democrats Showing Some Softening
59:07 Bitcoin's Price Predictions: Over $10 Million by 2034 and North of $5-7 Million in 10 Years
LINKS
https://www.mara.com/
https://auradine.com/
https://unchainedcrypto.com/the-bitcoin-genesis-block-was-mined-15-years-ago-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-significant/
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/cryptocurrency/bitcoin-price-prediction-2024/
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Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra discusses his journey in the semiconductor industry and the growing strategic importance of the memory industry in the age of AI. He highlights innovation in high bandwidth memory (HBM), which enables faster data access and lower power consumption. Sanjay also discusses Micron’s plans to build new U.S. semiconductor factories and the role of the CHIPS Act in bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to the U.S. He shares his insights on the resurgence of hardware innovation and what it takes to drive technological leadership in a rapidly evolving industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
08:10 The Resurgence of the Semiconductor Industry
17:34 The Importance of High Bandwidth Memory
23:13 Bridging the Cost Gap: The Role of the CHIPS Act
27:57 Investing in Workforce Development
31:01 Building New Fabs to Meet the Growing Demand
Links
https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/microns-memory-chip-manufacturing-facility-officially-begins/277-7caa484a-c16f-4ea2-aa42-cbce86fae0c3
https://www.reuters.com/technology/micron-set-get-6-billion-chip-grants-us-bloomberg-reports-2024-04-17/
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/04/technology/micron-chip-clay-syracuse.html
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/14/ai-boom-to-keep-supply-of-high-end-memory-chips-tight-through-2024.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5OY7D_JfoY&t=1s
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Former CEO of PepsiCo and New York Times bestselling author Indra Nooyi joins host Michael Marks for a wide-ranging conversation to share her insights on the growth of big tech companies, the impact of AI, CEO-board relationships, and much more.
Indra currently serves on the boards of Amazon, Phillips, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the National Gallery of Art, and is a Dean’s Advisory Council Member at MIT School of Engineering. Her New York Times bestselling memoir My Life In Full offers insight and a call-to-action from one of the world’s most-admired business leaders on how our society can blend work and family — and advance women — in the 21st century. She is widely considered to be one of the world’s top CEOs for her leadership at global giant PepsiCo over 12 years.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and State of the Markets
02:47 The Disruption of Technology Companies and the Role of AI
12:55 The Importance of Board Governance and CEO Succession Planning
20:32 Supporting Working Families and Advancing Women in Business
30:26 Navigating Geopolitical Challenges in a Global Economy
36:17 India's Potential and the Need for Disciplined Democracy
Links
https://www.amazon.com/My-Life-Full-Family-Future/dp/0593421329
https://www.linkedin.com/in/indranooyi/
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Driven both by surging demand and rapid technology advancements, an emerging area of health innovation called “bioconvergence” is driving improvements in human health and sustained interest from investors. This episode will explore these new applications merging engineered technologies with scientific disciplines, including in diagnostics, therapeutics, and elsewhere.
Nobel Laureate Dr. Jim Rothman, Dr. Melanie Mathieu of Prellis Biologics, and Daniel Dornbusch of Excision join host Michael Marks for an in-depth discussion covering advancements in CRISPR technology, the role of AI in drug discovery, the future of personalized medicine, and much more.
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Legendary technology founder and venture capital investor Vinod Khosla joins host Michael Marks for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of Artificial Intelligence, major tech cycles, and much more. Vinod shares his predictions for the next 25 years of technology advancement and how we should be assessing the risks and benefits as the adoption of AI continues to accelerate. He shares his views on founder friendly and why "hypocritical politeness" is so common in Silicon Valley. Vinod co-founded Sun Microsystems and helped create several technology companies before founding Khosla Ventures in 2004. The firm has since invested in countless game-changing technology companies including OpenAI, Doordash, Impossible Foods, Rubrik, and others.
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The TechSurge Podcast explores topics at the intersection of emerging tech, market forces, and entrepreneurial discovery. Hear directly from Silicon Valley leaders, the next generation of daring founders, and other brilliant minds shaping the future of deep tech. Episodes releasing every two weeks.
