Andrew Murray Dunn

Future (proof) #universities will cultivate abilities in their students to shape the #Mind of the #Machine. Artificial intelligence is no longer the stuff of #science #fiction. It permeates our lives, from the algorithms powering our #socialmedia to anything in #motion. However, with this incredible potential comes immense responsibility. The future of #AI, and its impact on #society, hinges on the shoulders of those who develop and deploy it. This is where universities have a unique and pivotal opportunity – to shape the future of AI by educating the next generation of developers and thinkers. AI development shouldn't exist in a vacuum. Courses that encourage collaboration with philosophers, sociologists, and legal scholars will ensure AI is developed with consideration for human #values and societal context. Imagine AI developers working alongside ethicists and philosophers, ensuring technology serves humanity and aligns with our values. Black box nature of some AI models can be concerning. Universities should introduce students to explainable AI techniques, enabling them to build #models that are not just accurate but also allow humans to understand how decisions are made. Imagine AI systems that can explain their reasoning, fostering trust & collaboration between humans & machines. By ensuring transparency & responsible development, universities can help build public trust in AI, encouraging wider adoption and maximizing its benefits. Imagine a future where people embrace AI not with fear, but with confidence, knowing it has been developed with #ethical considerations at its core. By encouraging students to consider the #social #impact of AI, universities can become a beacon of responsible AI research and development. Imagine university research labs setting the standard for ethical practices, influencing the entire AI industry. By educating #students and fostering open discussions about AI's implications,universities can shape public discourse and build a #society that embraces AI responsibly. Imagine informed public debates about the use of AI in various sectors, ensuring #technology serves humanity's best interests. Universities have a great opportunity to play crucial role in shaping the future of AI. By moving beyond technical skills training and prioritizing ethical considerations, universities can equip the next generation of AI #developers with the #knowledge and #values needed to create a #future where AI serves as a powerful tool for progress – a Future where AI isn't just intelligent, but also ethical, responsible, and beneficial to all. It's in the #classrooms of universities that the ethical foundation for a better #tomorrow with AI will be being built. We (Sahil & Team) at Rishihood University under the guidance of Suresh Prabhu Ji are building the cradle of India’s #political and #entrepreneurial #leadership https://lnkd.in/geMZqRNZ Dataquest

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I’m delighted to showcase a special guest blog from my Stanford colleague, Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt. Frederik is Google’s original Chief Innovation Evangelist, and just published his first book, “What’s Next Is Now.” *** Let’s face it: our minds are wired to crave certainty about the future. We scour the news, analyze trends, and even check our horoscopes—all in search of a glimpse into what’s coming next. But here’s the thing: that relentless hunt for predictions is a mistake! Why? Because the future isn’t something that happens to you. It’s something you actively shape. By obsessing over predictions, we become passive observers, waiting for the future to unfold. But what if we flipped the script? What if we stopped worrying about what might happen and started creating the future we want? I’m a future optimist because I believe in embracing the opportunities ahead rather than fearing uncertainty. The choices you make today are the building blocks of your future. The more intentional and varied your choices, the more opportunities you create for yourself. On the flip side, if you avoid stepping outside your comfort zone, someone else ends up making choices for you. Ever wonder how people find themselves in unfulfilling careers? It’s often because they stopped making intentional choices that could have led them down a different path. They become passengers in a car driven by fate, luck, or happenstance. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to be a passenger. You can be the driver. Imagination is your most powerful tool. By engaging with the possibilities of each moment, you start to see a different landscape for your future. (More insights at the link in comments below!)

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💡 Where's the VC Capital for Africa’s Innovation? Africa's innovation potential is untapped, yet we still rely on outdated funding mechanisms. Most venture capital focuses on late-stage companies, leaving early-stage innovation in critical fields like microchips, bioengineering, deeptech, and automotive severely underfunded. 🚀 We need new funding models: Crowd investing: Engage African communities and the diaspora to participate in economic growth. Stronger M&A: Without a robust M&A sector, exits will remain out of reach, stifling growth. It’s time to rethink how we fund Africa's SMEs. Let’s build a system that truly supports innovation and drives the development of Africa’s future industries. 🌍✨ #InnovationInAfrica #FundingAfrica #EarlyStageInvesting #DeepTech #AfricaRising

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Experiment: realistic story telling AI. Education media, using multilayered content structure to engage the audience. Create a entertaining story from any topic.

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴📚 This ebook dives deep into the entire startup funding life cycle—from seed to exit—exploring all the funding sources available. 💰✨ 🔍 Here’s what you’ll find inside: 1️⃣ The startup funding life cycle 2️⃣ Funding sources 3️⃣ Real-life stories—funding experiences from startups 4️⃣ How to prepare for fundraising Hope you find it helpful! 🤝 ~~~~ Credit: Standard Ledger “Startup to Stayup” ♻️Repost to inspire your Startup Network💡 LinkedIn: Dr. Michael Tadros Agile | PMP® | cPgM® | BSc. | MSc. | PhD. #startup #startups #michael_theprofessor #startupfunding #success #research #partnerships #fundraising #investing #entrepreneurlife #innovation #founders #projectmanagement #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #venturecapital #investment #venturecapital #siliconvalley #technology

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The SURPRISING WINNERS of 2025's VC landscape aren't who you think. While tech founders scramble for AI funding, here's what Pitchbook's latest report reveals about the REAL opportunities: 2025 VC OUTLOOK: • Exit activity increasing • Large tech IPOs returning • Limited partner reinvestment growing • Flat and down rounds continuing But here's what everyone's missing... Non-technical founders are actually BETTER POSITIONED for success. Why? 1. MARKET VOLATILITY - Increased macroeconomic uncertainty - Proposed tariffs affecting markets - Focus shifting to sustainable business models 2. FUNDING DYNAMICS - Investors prioritizing revenue over tech - Greater emphasis on unit economics - Valuation multiples normalizing 3. COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE - Less crowded market segments - Focus on business fundamentals - Strategic positioning over technical depth The key isn't building the most advanced technology... It's building the most RESILIENT business. What are you focusing on for 2025?

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🌟 𝗩𝗖 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 🌟 Preparation can make all the difference in a venture capital interview. Here’s a guide to nail it: 📝 Prepare Your Answers: Common questions include your company’s mission, market size, and competitors. 📊 Highlight Metrics: Share key metrics like user growth and revenue to demonstrate traction and success. ⭐ Express Future Vision: Outline your short-term and long-term goals for your company’s growth. Equipped with detailed responses, you can approach your VC interview with confidence. #StartupPreparation #EntrepreneurAdvice #VCSuccess

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B. Incube and Wadhwani Foundation are excited to announce 12-week LiftOff Program for 2024. This program is tailored to assist startups with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in building a compelling value proposition and establishing a sustainable and scalable business model.  Why You Should Apply:  -Set Your Goals for Sustainable Growth: Establish clear and achievable objectives for long-term success. -Strengthen Your Business: Leverage the expertise of WEN faculty, members, and tools to fortify your business strategy. -Learn from the Best: Gain insights from Indian startup case studies and fireside chats with seasoned entrepreneurs. -Prepare for Your Investor Pitch: Participate in a professional pitch clinic designed to refine your presentation skills. -Pitch Live to Fund Agencies: Present your business to commercial investors and funding agencies. -Secure Funding on Your Terms: Close your subsequent funding rounds with favorable conditions.  Program Highlights:  -Expert Guidance: Receive valuable resources and mentorship from industry experts. -Interactive Learning: Engage in hands-on learning experiences through case studies and live discussions. -Investor Readiness: Develop a polished pitch and present it to potential investors. Important Details: Application Deadline: June 9, 2024 Program Duration: 12 weeks Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your startup to new heights. Apply now and take the next step towards achieving sustainable growth and securing funding for your business. To know more visit: https://lnkd.in/dNwWGmc9 Join our structured program today and turn your business vision into reality! #aiilsg #bincube #startupindia #startupcommunity #startupecosystem #startups #startupfounders #incubationprogram #entrepreneurship #scaleup #bilaspurcity #bilaspursmartcity #chhattisgarh #hamarbilaspur

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I really enjoyed recording this episode of The Digital Industrial Podcast with Ty Findley. We talked about common misconceptions for deep tech, the "Why Now" for the category, and differences between investor diligence for deep tech and traditional tech. https://lnkd.in/eKtwjauu

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Every startup should know these rules by heart while they're fundraising. More importantly, rule #1 - not every startup is made for VC. Hence, building a VC backable business needs to be a conscious decision for most.

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Wing Venture Capital's Founder Docs project is a unique collection of startup wisdom, by founders, for founders. The authors of the docs are talented founders themselves, sharing their experience on the topics they are most passionate about. I'd like to highlight the contributions of Edo Liberty, founder / CEO of Pinecone. Edo writes about the special opportunities for the scientist / founder (and he is one of the best of this breed!), as well as some of the risks and challenges they face. I got a lot out of reading Edo's stuff and I suspect you will too! https://lnkd.in/g_wyRMiE

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Insightful look into bioplatform strategy, and what it takes to raise a Series A from my partner, Omri Amirav-Drory: https://lnkd.in/dFv7GbF6

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It seems inevitable that as the underlying foundation models become more powerful, the LLM players will seek to justify the enormous investment that has gone into training their models by moving "up the stack", and evolve from an API or chat interface, to async agents. Regardless of whether the foundation model companies end up directly competing with you in your vertical, I believe as a B2B AI startup, you NEED to go through the thought experiment: how do I future proof my company as the underlying models progress? More here: https://lnkd.in/gkdhmVer

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🚀 Ready to launch your VC fund? VC Lab Cohort 17 has a new AI-powered mission control, LP mixers, new tracks, and more. Learn how we can help... 🛠️ AI-Powered Launch Suite + Decile Base: Your AI co-pilot + Smart LP targeting & network analysis + AI-powered thesis builder + Personalized outreach tools 🤝 Enhanced Support + Regional Demo Days + Global GP-LP mixers + Premium mentoring + Institutional-grade resources 🌌 Specialized Tracks + Space Technology + Later-Stage (Series A/B) + Family Office Funds + Enhanced Emerging Manager Program 👉 Perfect Timing + Exceptional deals at reasonable valuations + Billions in LP capital seeking emerging managers + Unique window as established firms face challenges The Early Admissions Deadline for Cohort 17 is Monday, November 18th. Join the 50+% of new VC firms we've launched in the last two years. 🚀

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Michael Seibel, Y Combinator's first Black partner (2013) and first Black president (2016), is number #5 on MyCofoundr.AI's Black Vanguard List (https://lnkd.in/ekAbZ7cG). 🎉 Michael is a trailblazing founder, investor, and board member, who has redefined what excellence and leadership looks like in tech and venture capital. From co-founding Justin.tv (which became Twitch and was acquired by Amazon for $970 million), to leading Socialcam (acquired by Autodesk for $60 million just 15 months after its launch), Michael’s entrepreneurial track record is impeccable. Now serving as Group Partner and Managing Director, Early Stage at YC, Michael has been pivotal in shaping YC’s global reputation and empowering founders from under-networked communities. Since its inception, YC has backed over 5,000 startups with a combined valuation of more than $600 billion, and Michael has personally guided hundreds of these companies to success. He also serves on the boards of companies like Reddit, Inc. and Dropbox, driving innovation and championing diversity at the highest levels. For anyone seeking inspiration and actionable insights, check out this must-watch video where Michael shares “What I’ve Learned After 10 Years at YC”: https://lnkd.in/eCJjeSmZ. For founders, Michael’s decade of insights at YC is invaluable: ➡️ Solve real problems: Focus on underserved markets you understand deeply, turning challenges into opportunities. ➡️ Show traction: Metrics like retention and revenue can open funding doors and overcome systemic biases. ➡️ Tell a clear, compelling story: Clarity and vision in your pitch are essential for standing out. ➡️ Bootstrap early: Prove your concept and resilience before seeking external capital. YC itself actively invests in diverse founders: -- AUM: Over $80 billion -- Average Check Size: $500,000 for a 7% equity stake -- Diversity Investments (as of 2023): 15% female-founded startups (~644), 10% Hispanic/Latino-founded (~424), and 6% Black-founded (~246). -- Focus Areas: Pre-seed and seed-stage startups in software, biotech, education, consumer products, and more -- Success Stories: Airbnb, Dropbox, Stripe, Reddit, Inc., Instacart, DoorDash, Coinbase, Brex, PagerDuty, etc. Michael’s leadership has significantly influenced YC’s commitment to inclusivity, proving that innovation and inclusion go hand in hand. Thank you, Michael, for your exceptional contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and for paving the way for a new generation of founders and investors to thrive. #BlackExcellence #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #YCombinator #Startups

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