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!

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!

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.