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. You can follow us on Twitter, on Instagram, on Facebook, and on LinkedIn. The information provided in this podcast is solely intended for the use of entrepreneurs, corporate officers, and founders regarding potential financing capabilities for prospective portfolio companies of New Enterprise Associates (NEA). The contents are not intended to be used in the investment decision making process related to any fund managed by NEA. Any investments identified are for illustrative purposes only. No assumptions should be made that any investments were or will be profitable. Content obtained from third-party sources, although believed to be reliable, has not been independently verified as to its accuracy or completeness and cannot be guaranteed. NEA has no obligation to update, modify or amend the content of this podcast nor notify its audience in the event that any information, opinion, projection, forecast or estimate included, changes or subsequently becomes inaccurate. For more information about NEA’s potential financing capabilities for prospective portfolio companies, please refer to www.nea.com.