Today’s episode was recorded live at Ohio VC Fest, where I hosted a panel on AI, joined by an incredible group of investors, including:

Peggy Roberts, Managing Partner at The Riverside Company;
Candice Matthews Brackeen, Founding Partner at Lightship Capital;
Hardik Desai, Managing Partner at JumpStart Ventures;
Jamie Weston, Managing Director at Spring Mountain Capital.

Together, we walk through where real value is being created with AI, how founders can best leverage it in their business and in raising capital, and explore the vast opportunities and downstream implications of AI looking forward!

00:00:00 Introduction to AI Investment Perspectives
00:04:27 Understanding the AI Hype Cycle
00:06:44 AI in Startups vs. Established Companies
00:09:21 Defensibility and Team Dynamics in AI Investments
00:12:25 AI's Impact on Business Operations
00:15:15 Fundraising Strategies in the AI Landscape
00:18:12 Evaluating AI Companies: Metrics and Expectations
00:21:08 The Role of Education and Training in AI Adoption
00:23:45 Future Predictions for AI in Various Industries
00:26:27 Staying abreast AI's Evolution
00:43:34 Closing Thoughts on AI

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LINKS:
https://ohiovcfest.com/
https://www.riversidecompany.com/
https://www.lightship.capital/
https://jumpstart.vc/
https://www.springmountaincapital.com/
https://jumpstartinc.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggyr
https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicebrackeen/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hardikadesai/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-weston-75136a2/

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SPONSOR:

Roundstone Insurance

Roundstone Insurance is proud to sponsor Lay of The Land. Founder and CEO, Michael Schroeder, has committed full-year support for the podcast, recognizing its alignment with the company’s passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and community leadership.

Headquartered in Rocky River, Ohio, Roundstone was founded in 2005 with a vision to deliver better healthcare outcomes at a more affordable cost. To bring that vision to life, the company pioneered the group medical captive model — a self-funded health insurance solution that provides small and mid-sized businesses with greater control and significant savings.

Over the past two decades, Roundstone has grown rapidly, creating nearly 200 jobs in Northeast Ohio. The company works closely with employers and benefits advisors to navigate the complexities of commercial health insurance and build custom plans that prioritize employee well-being over shareholder returns. By focusing on aligned incentives and better health outcomes, Roundstone is helping businesses save thousands in Per Employee Per Year healthcare costs.

Roundstone Insurance — Built for entrepreneurs. Backed by innovation. Committed to Cleveland.

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