Founder Forward is a new podcast from NEA that explores the company-building journey with candid commentary and useful insights from entrepreneurs and investors at every stage of growth. Join host Kate Barrett as she talks with rising founders about solving big problems, from making healthcare equitable to powering our planet sustainably. Each episode weaves in a featured conversation between an NEA investor and a founder they support at some of the firm’s most exciting portfolio companies.


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Optimatik & Forethought: Building Generative AI Companies In a Rapidly Evolving Market
On this episode, Mandela Patrick, Co-Founder and CEO of Optimatik, an AI company that harnesses data-driven insights to optimize high-quality creatives for brands, speaks with host Kate Barrett about building something new in an already noisy field, the value of tapping into your own trusted network, and the powerful ways new tools can democratize access to technology. Throughout the conversation Deon Nicholas, Co-Founder and CEO of Forethought, the leading generative AI for customer support, and NEA Partner Vanessa Larco share their thoughts about building a business in a volatile, highly competitive market, cultivating intentional growth through careful prioritization, and the difficult decisions founders have to make during tough times. Tune in to hear what inspired Mandela and Deon to become founders, how they’re leveraging the hype around AI to hire top talent, and how generative AI is empowering people to be more efficient, productive and creative.
All Episodes
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Episode 8 08/02/23
Founder Forward Episode 8, Optimatik & Forethought: Building Generative AI Companies In a Rapidly Evolving Market
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Episode 7 06/07/23
Founder Forward Episode 7, Violet & Everside: Putting Patients First to Transform Care Delivery and Improve Outcomes
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Episode 6 05/03/23
Founder Forward Episode 6, Thirteen Lune & Mejuri: Leaning Into Consumer Trends and Cultural Shifts to Build a Powerful D2C Brand
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Episode 5 04/19/23
Founder Forward Episode 5, Flowbo & Patreon: Fueling the Creator Economy
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Episode 4 04/05/23
Founder Forward Episode 4, Beek & MasterClass: Finding Purpose, Product-Market Fit, and Partners for Growth
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Episode 3 03/22/23
Founder Forward Episode 3, Webiny & Databricks: Accelerating Adoption, Customer-Guided Growth, and Forging Powerful Partnerships
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Episode 2 03/01/23
Founder Forward Episode 2, BlueOcean & Cloudflare: Defying Expectations, Radical Prioritization and “Scaling” Culture
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Episode 1 02/15/23
Founder Forward Episode 1, WeaveGrid & GoodLeap: Passion, Purpose and a Path to Profitability
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