Your Window Into the Innovation Economy

Join Alumni Ventures Managing Partner Ron Levin, Senior VP of Investor Relations Hilary Ncala, Partner Meera Oak, and Associate Jason Bird for a comprehensive onboarding session designed specifically for Seed Fund investors.

As a relatively new father (the oldest of my three being six years old), I’ve come to appreciate the African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I’m fortunate to have a strong support system, including a remarkable spouse who somehow holds “dual PhDs” in organic chemistry and parenting. But even with these advantages, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges parents face to keep a household running smoothly and provide the care and attention our children need to thrive.

The best investments share one key trait: patience. The longer your
time horizon, the fewer competitors — and potentially the greater the rewards.

The landscape of artificial intelligence is changing. For years, the industry has been captivated by Large Language Models (LLMs) — behemoth AI systems with massive datasets and billions of parameters. But there’s a seismic shift underway: Small Language Models (SLMs) are emerging as a smarter, more efficient alternative for businesses, and savvy investors are taking notice.

“The best venture investors can see things before they are consensus. They can imagine how the world will be different in 5-10 years.”

Today, Americans heavily depend on maritime transport, responsible for 80% of global trade. We rarely consider maritime logistics until disruptions — like the 2021 Suez Canal blockage or Covid-era delays — remind us of its critical role. America’s naval dominance has historically safeguarded global trade, underpinning our economy and security. Yet, despite its significance, maritime innovation has lagged behind sectors like aerospace or quantum computing in attracting venture capital.