Podcast Summary: Tempus AI – A Tempus and a Teapot

Podcast: Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast
Host: Scott Becker
Episode: Tempus AI: A Tempus and a Teapot
Date: August 27, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Scott Becker delves into the significance of Tempus AI—a pioneering data analytics and AI company focused on healthcare, particularly oncology. He explores how companies like Tempus AI are increasingly critical in supporting overburdened physicians and transforming cancer care.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Introduction to Tempus AI

• Background:
  • Tempus AI specializes in data analytics and predictive AI to aid health systems, oncologists, and medical groups in diagnosing and planning oncology treatments.
  • Founded roughly a decade ago by Eric Lefkowski, described as a "brilliant, brilliant entrepreneur" and Glencoe, Illinois native.
  • Becker describes Tempus AI as having moved beyond a niche startup into a mainstream, essential player in healthcare analytics.

The Growing Relevance of AI in Oncology

• Why It's Needed:
  • Physicians, especially oncologists, are increasingly "overwhelmed" due to the complexity of cancer care, the breadth of treatment options, and sheer patient volume.
  • Many specialists operate in silos and struggle to stay updated with rapid medical advancements.
  • High demand for specialized care is drawing patients repeatedly to major centers (MD Anderson, Mayo Clinic, City of Hope, Cleveland Clinic).
• Scott’s Perspective:
  • "When you work with an oncologist on a disease in a cancer diagnosis, one, they have limited bandwidth because they're exhausted. Two, there are so many different things going on in terms of care and treatment and ways to handle diseases that they just can't keep up." [01:15]

The Value Added by Tempus AI and Similar Companies

• Role of Tempus AI:
  • By aggregating and analyzing vast data, Tempus AI helps clinicians consider more options, spot patterns, and optimize care even when time and energy are limited.
  • Provides vital clinical support, filling gaps caused by workforce shortages and physician burnout.
  • "In this backdrop, you have companies like Tempus AI, like Private Health Management, who become so, so valuable and so important... because our medical professionals, our physicians can't fill [this role] because they're often just overwhelmed or work in a silo." [02:15]

Personal Anecdote Illustrating Impact

• Scott’s Experience:
  • Becker shares a family story, recalling his nephew's battle with brain cancer.
  • He was surprised to discover that the treating health system consulted Tempus AI to guide decisions—evidence of how deeply integrated this technology has become.
  • "I was actually shocked to learn that the health system we were working with checked everything they did with Tempus AI... that had moved beyond just sort of this guy Eric of Kausi's company to a real, real thing." [02:55]

Market Perspective

• Growth:
  • Tempus AI has seen remarkable growth: "It's up 117, 118% year to date." [02:35]
  • This metric highlights the expanding influence and perceived value of AI-driven solutions in healthcare investment and practice.

The Broader Narrative

• Conclusion & Implications:
  • The combination of rising cancer diagnoses and an overstretched healthcare workforce makes the work of Tempus AI and similar companies "so, so important."
  • AI and analytics are no longer futuristic concepts—they are necessary tools to maintain and improve the standard of care.
  • "It's no question why these types of things, these types of AI, clinical helpful tools are so, so important, because quite frankly, the doctors are overwhelmed." [03:30]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Need for AI Support:
  • "Physicians are just overwhelmed... it's almost impossible. That's not a knock on them. We're just overwhelmed." — Scott Becker [01:10]
• On Tempus AI Becoming Essential:
  • "It had moved beyond just sort of this guy Eric of Kausi’s company to a real, real thing." — Scott Becker [02:58]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 – 01:15: Introduction to Tempus AI and market context
• 01:16 – 02:15: The pressures facing oncologists and the need for AI tools
• 02:16 – 02:55: The value proposition of Tempus AI, with examples of integration
• 02:56 – 03:30: Personal anecdote, market growth, and concluding thoughts

Tone and Style

Scott Becker maintains an informative and slightly conversational tone throughout, blending personal experience, professional insight, and market analysis. He expresses genuine respect for both healthcare professionals and entrepreneurial innovators, emphasizing urgency and opportunity in leveraging AI to support clinical care.