Akira Dunham: Fundomo

The Investor With Joel Palathinkal

Joel Palathinkal sits down with Akira Dunham from Fundomo to discuss her multicultural journey into venture capital and her roles at Hillside Ventures and Connecticut Innovations. They explore Connecticut Innovations' commitment to diverse founders and the evergreen fund, along with their international investment strategies in Israel and Toronto. The conversation delves into the tech ecosystem in Connecticut, focusing on Climate Haven, New Haven's biotech scene, and quantum computing initiatives. They also cover future trends in AI, energy, and human-computer interfaces, as well as innovations in urban planning and mobility. Akira shares advice on entering venture capital and discusses career opportunities in India, Canada, and Israel. (0:00) Exciting time in tech: energy, material science, and Bitcoin (1:07) Guest introduction: Akira Dunham from Connecticut Innovations (1:51) Akira's journey: Multicultural upbringing to venture capital (4:22) Hillside Ventures and role at Connecticut Innovations (6:38) Connecticut Innovations' focus on diverse founders and evergreen fund (10:21) International investment strategy: Israel and Toronto (14:17) Fund of funds strategy and portfolio construction (20:05) Connecticut's tech ecosystem and sector focus (21:47) Climate Haven initiative and biotech scene in New Haven (22:27) Quantum computing initiatives and commercial applications (28:59) The future of AI, energy, and human-computer interfaces (32:55) Innovations in urban city planning and mobility (34:46) Advice for breaking into and building relationships in venture capital (40:49) Career pivots and investment opportunities in India, Canada, and Israel (46:31) Closing remarks and farewell