Wharton Tech Toks

In this episode Tanika Mehra interviews Tanay Kothari, Co-founder & CEO of Wispr Flow, an AI-powered voice-first productivity tool designed to help professionals communicate faster and more naturally. Wispr Flow is pioneering a screen-free, voice-first future where professionals can dictate messages, edit text with natural voice commands, and boost productivity 3x faster than typing. Backed by NEA, 8VC, and top AI leaders, Wispr Flow has raised $26M to redefine the way we interact with technology.

Join us for this episode with Dr. Craig Joseph, Chief Medical Officer at Nordic Global and co-author of Designing for Health. Craig shares his journey from practicing pediatrics to becoming a national thought leader in healthcare IT and clinical informatics. We dive into his experience with EHRs like Epic and Cerner, the challenges of designing tech doctors actually want to use, and where AI fits into the future of patient care.This is a great episode if you're exploring careers at the intersection of medicine and technology or curious about human-centered design in healthcare. If you enjoy the show, be sure to share it with a friend and leave a comment!

Join us for this episode with Leigh Engel, Senior Product Manager for Enterprise AI at NVIDIA. Leigh's journey spans media, consulting, and big tech firms like Apple and WPP before landing in product leadership at one of the world's top AI companies. We explore her career pivots, how she balances innovation with user-centered design, and her take on evaluating AI models like GPT-4 and Llama for enterprise use. This is a great episode if you're curious about breaking into AI product management or understanding the future of generative AI in business. If you enjoy the episode, share it with a friend and leave us a comment!Please note: The views expressed in this episode are Leigh's alone and do not reflect those of her employer, NVIDIA.

In this episode, Julien Guiot sits down with Ryan Graciano, Co-Founder and Head of Product at Credit Karma to discuss the story behind Credit Karma, exploring how the company disrupted personal finance by offering free credit scores and personalized financial insights. We dive into the challenges and opportunities of building trust in the finance sector, Credit Karma's innovative approach to user-centric design, and their strategy for scaling a fintech business sustainably. Key questions include how to effectively balance user experience with data privacy and what future trends might shape personal financial management. Tune in for valuable insights into the evolution and future of fintech from one of the industry's pioneering companies.

Francesca Migliori is a global digital and e-commerce executive with expertise in omnichannel strategies, CRM, and startup advisement. Join us in this exciting episode as Debbie Cheng (Wharton Class of 2026) and Francesca Migliori discuss her journey from Wharton to investment banking to leadership roles across various organizations including Gucci and Loro Piana. She shares riveting stories leading digital transformation initiatives that enhance customer engagement and market expansion, as well as her new adventure driving operational excellence and digital innovation in publishing as COO of Lost River Press.

Join us for this episode with Elizabeth Pemmerl, Chief Revenue Officer at GitHub. Elizabeth shares her journey from early roles in marketing and PR to leading revenue strategy at one of the world's most influential developer platforms. We discuss her decade-long rise through GitHub, how the company is leveraging AI, and what it takes to lead with both ambition and balance. This is a must-listen if you're curious about breaking into tech leadership, scaling within an org, or understanding how AI is shaping enterprise strategy. If you enjoy the show, share it with a friend and drop us a comment!

In this episode, Julien Guiot sits down with Ian Samuels, Founding Partner at New System Ventures, to discuss how the firm backs ambitious founders building solutions for a decarbonized future. Ian shares his perspective on investing in hard tech, the role of government in accelerating climate innovation, and why now is the moment for deep, systems-level change. The conversation covers topics like climate infrastructure, the intersection of policy and capital, and what it takes to scale breakthrough technologies. Tune in for a compelling discussion on how visionary venture capital can help catalyze the transition to a more sustainable and resilient economy.

Please join Julien Guiot for this episode with Vas Natarajan, a partner at Accel, a leading global venture firm. In this episode, we dive into Vas' background, his path into venture, and more specific questions around how Vas spots lasting value in the AI space or how startups can overcome the distribution advantages of incumbents today. Additionally, we discuss how to identify strong founders and what unique traits B2B founders need to have to be successful. This is a fascinating episode from a leading investor in the infrastructure and AI space so be sure to give it a listen. 

In this episode, Julien Guiot sits down with Jake Wieseneck, Principal at Maniv Mobility, to explore the firm's strategic approach to investing in transportation innovation and mobility technologies. Jake shares insights into how Maniv identifies and supports early-stage startups that are digitizing and decarbonizing the movement of people and goods. They discuss key trends shaping the future of mobility, including advancements in electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and urban transportation solutions. The conversation also delves into the challenges and opportunities within the evolving automotive landscape and how strategic investments can accelerate the transition to cleaner, smarter transportation systems. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the intersection of venture capital and the sustainable transformation of global transportation. 

Join us for this episode with Claire Lecarpentier, Director of Product Strategy & Operations for Platform AI at ServiceNow. After experiences in consulting and corporate venture, Claire transitioned to Product Strategy at leading enterprise service provider ServiceNow. This is a great episode if you are interested in learning how to transition from consulting or banking into the technology industry, especially at AI-driven firms. If you like the show, make sure to share it with a friend, and feel free to leave a comment, too!

In this episode, we sit down with Pete Schork, a Principal at the Broadscale Group, to discuss the firm's unique approach to investing in climate, energy, and industrial solutions. Pete explains how Broadscale strategically leverages partnerships with large corporations and family offices to scale impactful climate technologies, highlighting their investments in electric vehicle infrastructure, renewable energy financing, and decarbonization platforms. In this episode we explore key questions like what makes corporate-startup partnerships effective and how capital-intensive businesses offer unique opportunities in climate tech. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how strategic partnerships and thoughtful venture investment are powering the clean energy revolution.

In this episode, we sit down with Selina Tobaccowala, co-founder and CEO of HomeBoost, to discuss her journey as a serial entrepreneur and tech leader. From her early days at Evite to scaling SurveyMonkey, Selina shares key lessons on building and growing successful tech companies. We also explore how HomeBoost is using AI to revolutionize home energy efficiency. Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of the industry's most innovative leaders!

In this episode, we sit down with Wesley Tillu, a Wharton MBA graduate and partner at S32, to discuss the evolving landscape of AI and Deep Tech investing. Wesley shares insights on identifying lasting value in AI startups, where value will concentrate in the sector, and his journey into venture capital, including his time at In-Q-Tel, the CIA's venture arm. Tune in for a compelling conversation with a leading investor at the forefront of Deep Tech innovation.

Please join us for this episode with Design Founder Jonathan Arena and Debbie Cheng (Wharton Class of 2026). Jonathan has held design leadership roles at Facebook, Cruise and Patreon, and has served as a Design Advisor to many early stage companies. In this episode, we discuss how studying at the Rhode Island School of Design impacted his choice to attend Harvard Business School and the different career choices he made thereafter, ultimately leading him back to the founding role. Don't miss the unique perspective and insights Jonathan offers in this episode!

Please join us for this episode with Joseph Cohen, the CEO and Co-Founder of Infinite Machine. Joseph is a multitime founder whose last startup was a design software company called Universe. Frustrated by the state of urban transit in New York, Joseph and his brother decided to apply the same passion for design to creating a new electric scooter. In this episode we discuss the issues with the current state of urban transit, and how using a new approach to design and technology can shift the way Americans move throughout urban areas. If you are curious about cities, transportation, or just great design, be sure to listen to this episode. 

Please join us for this episode with Liam Collins, a Wharton MBA Class of 2025 member and the co-founder / CEO of Proxis, a Y Combinator backed startup. Liam and his co-founder created Proxis to help companies distill large language models into smaller, more useful and faster models for specific tasks. In this episode we dive into all things AI, the life of being a founder, what it is like being part of YC, and how the business has taken off since launch. If you are interested in entrepreneurship and AI this is definitely the episode for you! 

Join us for this show with Anush Vinod and Meera Patel, two Wharton MBAs leading Aplos, a PE backed software company aiming to re-invent accounting software for non-profit organizations. In this episode we dive into what it is like working for a PE backed startup, the unique nature of selling to non-profit organizations, and the types of challenges Anush and Meera face on a daily basis. This is a great episode if you are interested in learning more about the life of an operator at a PE backed startup and if you are interested in software more generally. If you like the show, please give it a like! 

Please join us for this episode with Yicheng 'YC' Sun, Senior Portfolio Director of Healthcare at IDEO, a globally acclaimed design and innovation firm. YC leads a multi-million dollar portfolio in healthcare and emerging technologies, such as AI, XR, and connected devices. He collaborates with startups and Fortune 500 companies to create human-centered products that empower personal wellbeing and unite a fragmented healthcare system. Embracing the mindset of a player-coach, YC also shares his expertise as a sought-after conference speaker, workshop facilitator, startup advisory board member, and graduate-level lecturer. In this episode, Debbie Cheng (Wharton Class of 2026) and YC discuss the challenges and rewards of his work, the courses he teaches at the Stanford d.school, and career advice for designers, technologists, and business leaders alike.

Please join us for this episode with Anastasia Pavolvic, the CEO of Eion. Eion helps agriculture companies reduce their carbon emissions through enhanced rock weathering, a technique of natural carbon capture well suited for agriculture among other industries. In this episode, we dive into how this solution actually works, the benefits to both farmers and others who claim the carbon credits as well as how the business model for Eion works. This is a fascinating episode on a promising technology that has the potential to make a real difference combating climate change. If you like the episode, please give it a like! 

Please join us for this episode with Darcy Frisch, a Managing Director at Hearst Ventures. In this episode we discuss how Hearst Ventures as a corporate venture capital vehicle fits into the overall strategy of Hearst Ventures, how the media and entertainment sector has changed in the last 10 years and how it will be impacted by AI going forward. Additionally, we discuss some of the mechanics of a venture capital job such as evaluating founders, and serving on boards. If you are interested in learning more about the role of corporate venture capital funds, this is a great episode to listen to.

In this episode of Wharton Tech Toks, host Tanika Mehra sits down with Ish Dugal, a seasoned venture capitalist, to explore the evolving landscape of AI, venture investing, and what it takes to back the next generation of groundbreaking startups. Ish shares insights on cultivating long-term relationships with founders, the key qualities of successful entrepreneurs, and the underestimated trends in AI that could reshape industries. He also discusses high-stakes investment decisions, including the ones that got away, and his perspective on how AI is transforming knowledge work. Tune in for an engaging discussion on venture capital, risk-taking, and the future of tech innovation.

Please join us for this episode with Ali Javidan, Founder and CEO of Range Energy, a startup building an electrified truck trailer solution to help reduce carbon emissions and increase safety in heavy duty trucking. Ali started his career as a race engineer which eventually led him to be one of the first engineers at Tesla designing the roadster and sparking his interest in electric vehicles. This is a great episode as we dive into the benefits Range Energy's trailer solution creates for customers, the business model Range Energy is pursuing as well as Ali's general thoughts on the future of clean transportation among other topics. This is a great chance to hear first hand from an entrepreneur how they are disrupting an established industry so be sure to give this episode a like if you enjoyed it.  

Please join us for this episode with Warren Hui, the co-founder of Soul Ventures and a General Partner at Type One Ventures. Warren started his career in investment banking but quickly became interested in all things technology especially AI which led him to working in venture. As an early investor in companies like Open AI, Warren has a nuanced and deep understanding of the AI space. As a result, in this episode we discuss questions such as where will value accrue in the AI sector and whether AI companies are actually worth their high valuations. This is a fascinating episode on a cutting edge topic so be sure to give it a listen.

Please join us for this episode with Christophe Defert and Mike D'Aurizio from HSBC Climate Growth Partners to discuss how their investments in climate startups are pushing the fight against climate change forward. In this episode we discuss how Christophe and Mike ended up in climate investing, the different types of capital needed for different types and stages of startups, and the role software plays in decarbonizing our world among other topics. Please share this episode if you enjoyed listening to it.

Join Manasi Patwa (Wharton '25) in her conversation with Shaq Vayda, Principal at Lux Capital. Lux is a leading venture capital firm investing in companies positioned at the cutting edge of advanced technology and has $5B+ in assets under management. In this discussion, Manasi and Shaq dive into key growth vectors within AI-driven biotech, recent developments in drug discovery technology, and shifts in the private markets investing landscape. Shaq also provides valuable insights regarding choosing sectors of focus within investing and what strong sourcing entails.

Join us for this episode with Shawn Xu, a partner at Lowercarbon Capital which is a leading venture fund investing in Climate Tech. In this episode we dive into the differences between investing in both hardware and software startups, what the capital stack for more capital intensive startups should be, and how Shawn broke into the VC industry. Being on the founding team of a YC startup and a Wharton graduate, Shawn's insight into the Climate Tech world is incredibly insightful. Please share the episode if you enjoyed it!

Join us for this episode with Andrea Hippeau, a partner at Lerer Hippeau to hear about her story as a generalist investor at a leading early stage fund. In this episode we speak about why it is advantageous to be a generalist investor vs a specialist investor, sectors that she has recently been excited about, lessons from her board experience, and advice on finding good founders. Let us know what you think of the show in the comments!

Please join us for this episode where we speak with Victoria Beasley, a partner at Gigascale Capital, a leading climate tech venture fund. In this episode we dive into the differences of investing in both hardware and software startups, how to identify good climate tech founders, and what qualifies as a climate tech investment. This is a fascinating episode with a great investor so please give it a listen! 

Join us for an engaging conversation with Tanika Mehra and Jacqueline Cheong, Co-Founder & CEO of Artie (YC S23)

Join us for this episode with Tobias Citron, a principal at Primary Venture Partners focused on data / developer tools, AI, and cybersecurity. In this episode we discuss where Tobias thinks value will accrue in the AI space, how AI impacts cybersecurity and how he broke into the VC space. This is an amazing episode if you are interested in deep tech and investing so be sure to give it a listen.

Join us for this episode with Ben Veres, CEO and Co-Founder of Kateri Carbon to understand how Kateri is turning ranchland into a carbon sink. Leveraging smart fencing and carbon measuring tools, Kateri is able to help farmers move their livestock around ranchland to avoid killing grass and turn the ranchland into a carbon sink. In return, Kateri is able to help generate carbon credits generating extra revenue for farmers. This is an exciting episode about how simple technologies can create significant climate outcomes.

Tune into the latest episode of the Wharton Tech Toks podcast! Zoe Barnswell and Tanika Mehra sit down with Jeffrey Burrell, Head of Social Impact and Sustainability at Riot Games, to discuss how gaming can drive global change. With 20+ years of experience spanning consulting, non-profits, and tech, Jeffrey shares insights on in-game fundraisers, engaging 180 million players in social impact initiatives, and his career journey. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in social impact, gaming, or tech leadership.

Join Saanya Ojha, Partner at Bain Capital Ventures, and Tanika Mehra, Wharton MBA Class of 2025, as they explore the future of cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and developer ecosystems in the tech industry. With a decade of experience in venture capital and growth equity, Saanya shares her journey from starting as a hedge fund analyst at Goldman Sachs to leading growth-stage investments at Bain Capital Ventures. Her focus is on partnering with founders who are passionate about overcoming challenges and building the next wave of transformative software products. Saanya's unique global perspective, having lived and worked across New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, and San Francisco, shapes her approach to investing in innovative companies. Tune in for a conversation about identifying opportunities in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, navigating the complexities of cloud and cybersecurity, and the role venture capital plays in shaping the future of these industries.

Join MP Eisen (VP of Partnerships at Glean) and Manasi Patwa (Wharton MBA '25) as they dive into Glean's GTM and Partnerships Strategy.  Glean is the leading Work AI platform that connects and understands all your company's data, enabling everyone to find answers, generate content, and automate work with AI. Glean last raised a $260MM Series E in fall 2024 at a $4.6B valuation. In this episode, MP distills how Glean approaches its key cloud partnerships, collaborations with complementary technology players, and engagements with consultancies. 

Join us for this episode with Peter Cohen, Senior Director of Business Development at Terawatt. In this show we dive into how Terawatt is building commercial scale charging facilities to help facilitate fleets transition to EVs. Terawatt is rapidly growing so give the episode a listen to learn more about them.

Join Atin Sanyal, Co-founder and CTO of Galileo, and Tanika Mehra, Wharton MBA Class of 2025, as they delve into the future of AI-driven platforms and the challenges of building trustworthy generative AI applications. Atin shares his journey from working on natural language systems at Apple to leading Uber's end-to-end AI platform, where he handled critical models for predicting ETAs, food recommendations, and ride safety. Atin Sanyal founded Galileo to address key issues like model errors, hallucinations, and compliance in generative AI. Drawing on over a decade of experience in AI and ML, including leading AI initiatives at both Apple and Uber, Atin explains the importance of building scalable AI products with transparency, accuracy, and auditability. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on navigating the complexities of AI in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Join Nicholas Stevens, VP of Product (AI) at Zillow, and Manasi Patwa, Wharton MBA Class of 2025, as they discuss Zillow's approach to creating and implementing AI-based products. Tune in to this episode for an in-depth discussion on Zillow's key AI features and the tech infrastructure needed to support a growing AI-focused product group. Nicholas Stevens is a Vice President of Product focused on Artificial Intelligence at Zillow. As part of his role, Nicholas leads Zillow's strategy to incorporate cutting-edge AI into its product suite, including in customer service, improved search, media, and loan officer efficiency applications. Prior to joining Zillow in 2016, Nicholas was a Product Manager at Prismatic and Twitter and began his career in corporate strategy at Juniper Networks. He holds a Bachelor's from Wharton and a Master's in Computer Science from Stanford. 

Join Quincy Lee, CEO and Founder of Electric Era to talk about how he and his team applied learnings from Space X to help reinvent electric vehicle chargers. If you are interested in electric vehicles or just how to build a hardware based startup, this episode is for you! If you are interested in learning more about Electric Era you can follow them on the following platforms: Linkedin  

Join Emily Bennett, Principal at Owl VC, and Manasi Patwa on this episode of Wharton Tech Toks. Owl VC is the largest education technology-focused investment firm with $2B in assets under management and 79 portfolio companies invested in to-date. Emily and Manasi delve into key differences among edtech business models, the role of SPACs in the sector, and the impact of recent AI/data analytics advances on how students, educators, and educational institutions will evolve.

Technology growth equity combines deep market research, proactive prospect sourcing, and thorough due diligence - all targeted at rapidly-developing, innovative sectors. Lead Edge Capital, named a GrowthCap Top Growth Equity Firm in 2023, has $5B in assets under management and counts visionary companies such as Toast, Alibaba, and Figs within its portfolio. Listen as Manasi Patwa speaks with Mitchell Green, Founder and Managing Partner at Lead Edge. The two discuss Lead Edge's founding history, differentiators of a successful growth equity firm, and lessons learned from some of Lead Edge's key transactions.

Join Manasi Patwa and Julien Guiot in a conversation with Cassie Miao, Director of M&A and Ventures at Databricks. In this episode, we dive into sourcing and due diligence best practices in corporate venture and discuss the fastest-growing areas within data infrastructure and data intelligence. Cassie also sheds light on skills associated with a successful career in tech corporate development.

Employee acquisition, retention, and management are top-of-mind objectives across SMBs and enterprises alike. AI offers an opprotunity to dramatically improve companies' abilities to respond to employee needs and proactively drive better employee experiences--and Eightfold AI is at the forefront of this. Join Manasi Patwa and Cynthia Zhou as they speak with Matias Spinetta, Global Vice President of Revenue Operations at Eightfold. If you were curious about drivers of go-to-market success and creative strategy in a fast-growing enterprise AI leader, this episode provides a deep-dive into this arena - along with an insightful discussion around what will define differentiated B2B AI companies in the long-term.

In this episode, we're excited to host Akhil Iyer from Shield Capital, a venture fund specializing in dual use technologies. From AI and cybersecurity to autonomy and space, Akhil shares how these innovations serve both commercial and defense sectors. We'll also discuss emerging trends and the future landscape of dual-use tech, offering valuable insights into how these advancements are set to impact our world and the role of both the US government and venture capital.

In this episode, Steph Kim chats with Oscar Höglund, Co-Founder and CEO of Epidemic Sound, the leading platform for world-class music and sound effects for brands and creators, with an expansive catalog seen and heard over 2.5 billion times a day worldwide. They discuss Epidemic Sound's innovative subscription-based model that simplifies music licensing and offers transparency and simplicity for both musicians and creators. Oscar opens up about his CEO role that has evolved from obsessing over ideas and product-market fit to focusing on scale. He emphasizes the importance of balancing paranoia and ambition in entrepreneurship.

Join Daniel Berkovits, the VP of Strategy of Via, to talk about how Via is digitizing the historically analog world of public transit to improve the experience of riders around the world.

For those interested in the intersection of tech and entertainment, join Steph Kim in this exciting one-hour episode as she dives into YouTube creator empowerment with Monica Khan (EVP, Creator Team) and Tyler L. Woods (Director Creator Experience Strategy & Programs) of Spotter, named one of TIME100's Most Influential Companies in 2023. In addition to providing top creators — from MrBeast to Airrack — with upfront capital, Spotter offers support through innovative AI tools, community, insights, and more. Monica and Tyler share their favorite creator success stories and offer advice for breaking into the industry.

Join Steph Kim as she chats with Camille Van Horne, Instacart's Director of Product Management, as they discuss the evolution and expansion of Instacart's services, including the launch of Instacart Platform. She shares insights on how Instacart is adapting to changing consumer behavior and the demand for convenience and personalization in grocery retail. They also discuss Instacart's approach to AI and the importance of long-term thinking and emotional intelligence in the product management role.

In this episode, we are joined by the VP and Head of Corporate Development at LinkedIn, Benjamin Orthlieb. We explore what corporate development entails at LinkedIn, build vs. buy decisions, and themes in the future of work that Ben is personally excited by.

In this episode, we're joined by Mike Collett, founder and managing partner of Promus Ventures, a VC firm focused on deep tech. We explore the evolving world of robotics, discussing everything from robotics-as-a-service to AI integration. Mike shares insights from his over two decades in venture capital on how robotics is transforming industries and impacting investors. Tune in to gain a unique perspective on where the technology is headed and how it's reshaping our world.

In today's episode we are joined by Elisha Jacobs, Senior Associate at RedBlue Capital. Elisha helps unpack the complexities of venture capital within the mobility sector. Discover the future of transportation through investments in groundbreaking technologies and models that could redefine how we move goods and people around the globe. For anyone interested in the mobility sector, this episode serves as a great overview of the sector.

“We think about ways where we can combine human insight together with ML models that are able to think about the world around them and really expand the scope of what humans can do.” In this episode, Emma is joined by Vijay Karunamurthy, Field CTO at Scale AI, a company at the heart of the AI revolution. This episode focuses on the integral processes of AI testing and evaluation, highlighting the importance of ethical frameworks in the development of AI. Vijay shares examples from his work, illustrating the practical applications of these processes in ensuring AI technologies are both effective and responsible. A great listen for those interested in the intersection of AI, ethics, and practical applications!