The Hidden Truth of Venture and AI with GP of Pack Ventures Ken Horenstein

Aug 27, 2024

Ken Horenstein, founding partner of Pack Ventures and a pivotal figure in Seattle's venture capital scene, shares his transformative journey from tech to investing. He reveals how to pinpoint essential factors for startup success, especially in AI and life sciences. Ken discusses the importance of mentorship and networking, emphasizing their role in nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystems. He expresses excitement for the future of AI, envisioning technologies that enhance our lives. Tune in for insights on bridging research and commercialization!

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

From Tech to Venture Capital: A Personal Journey

01:32 • 8min

Transforming Business and Fostering Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

09:57 • 4min

Networking and Innovation: Bridging Ideas to Action

14:09 • 13min

The Value of Mentorship in Startup Success

27:34 • 3min

Transformative Focus in an AI Era

30:09 • 5min

Exciting Future of AI and Deep Tech Innovations

35:11 • 2min

In this episode of The Shift AI Podcast, host Boaz Ashkenazy, founder and CEO of Augmented AI, sits down with Ken Horenstein, the founding partner of Pack Ventures, a venture firm that supports startups emerging from the University of Washington's vibrant tech ecosystem. Ken shares his journey from growing up in Vancouver, Washington, to becoming a key player in Seattle's venture capital scene, with previous roles at Microsoft's M12 and Venture Out.

Ken and Boaz delve into the art of identifying what’s truly necessary for startup success. Drawing from his experience working with highly technical research scientists, Ken offers a powerful framework for founders to cut through the noise and focus on the essentials. He also sheds light on the innovative AI and life sciences companies currently being incubated through Pack Ventures, including AI-driven document automation in the legal industry and cutting-edge biotech platforms.

Throughout the conversation, Ken emphasizes the importance of mentorship, sharing insights from his own mentors and offering advice to budding entrepreneurs. He also expresses optimism about the exponential value AI can bring to our lives, envisioning a future where technology enables us to live fuller, more impactful lives.

Join us for a deep dive into the intersection of AI, life sciences, and startup culture, and learn how The Pack Ventures is helping to bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and successful commercialization.

01:33 - Ken Hornstein’s Background and Career Journey 02:58 - Ken's Early Life and Entrepreneurial Roots 05:04 - Experience at Microsoft and M12 11:05 - Venture Out: Supporting Engineers' Side Hustles 16:21 - Pack Ventures: Seeding UW Innovations 20:12 - Exciting Portfolio Companies and AI Opportunities 28:29 - Mentorship and Personal Growth 32:51 - Future of Work and AI: Exponential Value

Connect with Ken Horenstein

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kenhorenstein

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy⁠

Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai