In this episode of Embedded, host Zain Verjee explores how generative AI can empower entrepreneurs in emerging markets to scale smarter, faster, and more inclusively. Prof. Rembrand Koning shares insights from his groundbreaking work at Harvard's Tech for All Lab, where they're studying how entrepreneurs can harness AI to benefit humanity. From WhatsApp-integrated AI advisors to partnerships in Southeast Asia, discover how AI could democratize access to business mentorship and transform entrepreneurship in emerging markets.
Key Highlights
🚀 Women are 25% less likely than men to use AI tools globally
💡 Tech for All Lab's innovative WhatsApp integration for AI business advice
📱 Grab partnership reaching millions of small businesses in Southeast Asia
🌍 Focus on making AI accessible through existing platforms and interfaces
🤝 The power of human + AI combinations in business mentorship
🔍 Research-backed approach to measuring AI's real economic impact
Episode Timestamps
00:06 - Introduction and welcome
01:30 - Tech for All Lab's mission and focus
02:10 - Importance of research in AI development
04:40 - Gender gap in AI adoption
05:33 - Tool design and accessibility
10:00 - The Grab partnership
17:17 - Surprising findings from research
21:29 - Human + AI combination
24:37 - Local context and language
28:49 - Final advice for entrepreneurs
Key Quotes
"We're going to see $1 billion companies run by one person, and my bet is that one person is not going to be in San Francisco, that one person is going to be in Nairobi or Jakarta."
"People + AI, that is the magic sauce... What we're really going to want is both the AI and then the person who's giving them that scaffolding to really get the most out of these tools."
"We know mentorship and advice and learning from others can make such a difference. Finally, we have the technology to democratize it."
"You're going to see all sorts of really exciting new businesses in these places that are going to transform economies and transform lives."
About Our Guest
Rembrand Koning is the Mary V. and Mark A. Stevens Associate Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. As Co-Director and Co-Founder of The Tech for All Lab at Harvard's Digital, Data, and Design (D^3) Institute, he leads research on how entrepreneurs can harness AI to benefit humanity.
Resources Mentioned
AI, entrepreneurship and development:https://voxdev.org/topic/firms/ai-entrepreneurship-and-development
Global Evidence on Gender Gaps and Generative AI:https://osf.io/preprints/osf/h6a7c_v1
The Uneven Impact of Generative AI on Entrepreneurial Performance:https://osf.io/preprints/osf/hdjpk_v1
More About Prof. Rembrand Koning:www.remkoning.com
AI For A Billion Entrepreneurs:https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rem-koning_ai-for-a-billion-entrepreneurs-activity-7273315762860179456-YEKm?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
More About The Tech For All Lab:https://d3.harvard.edu/labs/tech-for-all-lab/
Learning For Individuals:https://d3.harvard.edu/learning-programs-for-individuals/
Connect With Embedded
Website: www.therundown.studio
Twitter: @Rundown_Studio_
Host: @Zain_Verjee