Episodes

  • From Data-Driven Insights to Entrepreneurial Innovation
    Oct 25 2024

    In this insightful episode, hosts Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N Kolla engage with Shashank from Trident to discuss the evolving landscape of AI and data analytics. Shashank delves into the role of AI in creating interconnected solutions for supply and demand, emphasizing Tredence's unique approach in delivering actionable insights over mere predictions. The conversation spans the growth trajectory of AI startups like Fractal, the critical role of cloud computing, and India’s emerging influence in the AI ecosystem, showcased by models like Ola’s Krithrim.


    Additionally, Shashank shares the culture of innovation at Trident, inspired by initiatives like Trident Studio, a space reminiscent of Google’s Area 120, where employees can nurture their entrepreneurial spirit. He also touches upon India’s booming startup landscape, his investments in a VC fund supporting Indian startups, and Trident’s culture of mentorship-driven growth.


    Tune in for an engaging discussion on AI’s transformative power in business, India’s role in the global AI scene, and the importance of fostering a culture of innovation within organizations.

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    47 mins
  • Transforming Diagnostics: How SigTuple Is Revolutionizing Healthcare
    Oct 10 2024

    In the latest episode of AI Rising, hosts Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N Kolla sit down with Tathagato Rai Dastidar, founder of SigTuple, a company transforming diagnostic healthcare through AI-driven solutions.


    The discussion opens with the rise of AI agents like Salesforce's AgentForce AI and Microsoft’s new Copilot. Leslie poses the big question: can AI truly reason like humans? Tathagato offers an intriguing perspective, asking, “Do we even understand how humans reason?”


    Jayanth shares insights from his recent Europe trip, where he met AI innovators struggling to scale solutions due to the continent’s fragmented landscape. Tathagato then explains how SigTuple is streamlining diagnostics using AI-powered microscopes, making healthcare more efficient and accessible.


    Tune in for a compelling conversation on AI’s real-world impact and the future of healthcare technology.

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    36 mins
  • Gemma 2 and the Open-Source Debate: A Deep Dive with MathCo's Sayandeb Banerjee
    Sep 17 2024

    In the latest episode of the AI Rising podcast, hosts Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N Kolla sit down with Sayandeb Banerjee, Cofounder and CEO of MathCo, an enterprise AI and analytics company known for developing data-driven AI models that enhance decision-making processes.

    The discussion dives into whether the debate of open-source vs. closed-source AI still matters to clients today. Banerjee reflects on the enduring resistance to open source and what it means for the industry. They also explore the rise of SLMs, with a focus on Gemma 2—how its portability sets it apart, and whether SLMs make more sense for businesses looking to adopt scalable AI solutions. Tune in for an insightful conversation packed with real-world AI applications and industry perspectives!

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    36 mins
  • AI, Fintech, and Latin America's Regulatory Edge: Ankur Pal Breaks it Down
    Sep 9 2024

    In the latest episode of AI Rising, hosts Leslie D'Monte and Jayanth N Kolla sit down with Ankur Pal, Chief Data Scientist at Aplazo, a leading Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) FinTech platform based in Mexico. Ankur, who leads the company’s data organization, is deeply committed to democratizing financial access through innovative technology. In addition to his role at Aplazo, he is an active angel investor with a portfolio of over 40 global companies, including Spenmo, Otipy, Rupifi, and TeachMint.

    The conversation begins with a discussion of Gartner’s Hype Cycle Report 2024 for emerging technologies, which projects a plateau for generative AI in 2 to 5 years, autonomous agents in 5 to 10 years, and artificial general intelligence (AGI) in more than 10 years.

    Ankur shares insights on how investors are navigating the rapid evolution of foundational AI models, while the hosts also explore the unique regulatory landscape in Latin America, which is fostering innovation in the fintech space. Tune in to this enlightening discussion to learn more!

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    44 mins
  • Investing in AI: Insights from Venture Capitalist Anant Vidur Puri
    Aug 26 2024

    In the latest episode of AI Rising, hosts Leslie D'Monte and Jayanth N Kolla are joined by Anant Vidur Puri, a seasoned Venture Capitalist from Bessemer Venture Partners. The discussion kicks off with an exploration of the Listening-while-Speaking Language Model (LSLM), a model that integrates listening and speaking capabilities, allowing for real-time, seamless interaction.

    The conversation then shifts to the broader implications of AI on the workforce, with insights from a recent Accenture report revealing that up to 44% of working hours in the US are poised for automation or augmentation, with even higher percentages in the UK. The hosts, alongside Anant, delve into the risks this poses, particularly for workers with lower digital skills, and the potential widening of the digital divide.

    Anant brings his expertise to the table, emphasizing the critical role of Gen AI in the future of software development. He cautions that businesses not adopting AI will be left behind, as both competitors and clients increasingly demand AI-driven solutions. In a more personal segment, Leslie asks Anant what excites him about entrepreneurs, providing listeners with a glimpse into the mind of a leading venture capitalist.

    Tune in to explore the forefront of AI innovation and its far-reaching impacts on both technology and the workforce.

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    46 mins
  • Gen AI in Marketing: Trends and Challenges in Southeast Asia
    Aug 21 2024

    In the latest episode of AI Rising, hosts Leslie D'Monte and Jayanth N Kolla are joined by Srinivas Gattamneni (Srini), CEO of ADA, a global data and AI company headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The episode dives deep into how AI and Generative AI are revolutionizing digital marketing, with Srini sharing insights on funnel management, content automation, and personalized advertising.

    The conversation further explores how companies are approaching AI adoption, with Srini emphasizing the importance of foundational platform readiness and data preparedness. Additionally, he provides a comprehensive overview of the AI landscape in Southeast Asia, drawing parallels to the Indian market while noting the unique challenges posed by fragmented government structures, regulations, and cross-border complexities.

    Tune in for an engaging discussion on the latest in AI, digital marketing, and the evolving landscape of Generative AI!

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    35 mins
  • Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges in the Age of AI
    Aug 8 2024

    In the latest episode of AI Rising, our hosts Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N Kolla moderated the Accel Cybersecurity Summit roundtable discussion discussing the latest trends and concerns in cybersecurity, particularly in light of recent high-profile incidents and the growing influence of AI.

    The discussion features cybersecurity experts and industry professionals including Prayank Swaroop, Partner at Accel, Jossef Harush, Head of Supply Chain Security at Checkmarx, and Ross Haleliuk, Product Manager at LimaCharlie. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from recent cyber attacks and the increasing sophistication of modern threats to the impact of AI on cybersecurity and the challenges faced by businesses in protecting their digital assets.

    The experts explore software supply chain security, the role of social engineering in attacks, and the potential of AI to both enhance and complicate cybersecurity efforts. They also discuss the delicate balance between innovation and security for startups, as well as the evolving landscape of enterprise IT security in an era of rapid AI adoption. Tune in for an insightful episode!

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    39 mins
  • Do We Really Need an AI Appreciation Day?
    Jul 31 2024

    In the latest episode of AI Rising, our hosts Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N Kolla delve into the potential impact of a newly passed bill in Karnataka which directs private firms in the state to reserve jobs for Kannadigas. As the state grapples with the implications of the legislation, questions have arisen about whether it will tarnish its reputation as a tech hub. Our hosts further discuss the silliness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Appreciation Day, celebrated on July 16 each year. While intended to spotlight AI innovation and adoption across sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, and cybersecurity, Leslie and Jayanth question the necessity of dedicating a day to AI, labeling it as a marketing gimmick with no real sanction. Adding to the discussion, Leslie recounts an amusing episode from Google I/O in Bengaluru, where some leadership appeared unaware of the day’s existence, further underlining his skepticism. Tune in for an insightful episode!

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    33 mins