The Blind Ambition with Jack Kelly
Naveen Rao, Vice President of Artificial Intelligence at Databricks: How a Neuroscientist Became an AI Entrepreneur
Oct 2, 2024
Naveen Rao, a former neuroscientist and now Vice President of AI at Databricks, shares his fascinating journey from academia to entrepreneurship in the AI landscape. He discusses how his PhD work shaped his innovative approach to AI startups, attracting investors during a challenging time for hardware ventures. The conversation dives into AI's evolution, the potential for a tech boom and bust, and how traditional neuroscience influences today’s advancements. Naveen also emphasizes the significance of culture and collaboration in successful startups.
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Quick takeaways
- Naveen Rao's transition from neuroscience to AI illustrates how insights from the human brain can drive advancements in technology.
- Rao emphasizes the importance of fostering a collaborative culture and taking risks to navigate challenges in the tech startup landscape.
Deep dives
Career Journey in AI and Hardware Development
Naveen Rao's career illustrates a unique blend of neuroscience and computer engineering, starting with his research on neuromorphic machines. He emphasizes the significance of understanding the human brain's functionality, believing that insights from neuroscience can inform computer architecture and artificial intelligence development. After his diverse roles in various tech companies, including a pivotal moment selling his AI software platform Nirvana to Intel, he went on to establish MosaicML, which focuses on generative AI technology. His journey showcases the resilience required to pioneer in a field that initially faced skepticism from investors, especially regarding hardware startups.
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