Layer Zero
Layer Zero
Layer Zero is a podcast that goes beyond the surface with founders, builders, and VCs in tech, revealing the personal stories, motivations, and philosophies driving innovation. It’s where the “why” behind the “what” takes center stage. Hosted by Rishab Siddamshetty.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 3, 2025 • 19min
Betting on the Edge: AI, Defense & Frontier Tech with Tess Hatch of Bessemer/Stifel
In this episode, I chat with Tess Hatch, former partner at Bessemer Venture Partners and current Managing Director at Stifel Venture Bank , about the future of frontier tech and how the landscape is shifting. We dig into the red flags she watches for in early-stage deep tech, how AI is reshaping the defense and aerospace sectors, and why debt vs. equity financing matters more than ever in capital-intensive spaces. Get a front-row seat to how one of the leading voices is thinking about investing at the edge of innovation.
May 30, 2025 • 17min
Powering the Next Wave: Infra, AI & Energy with Alumni Ventures' Drew Wandzilak
In this episode, I chat with Drew Wandzilak, Co-Lead of the Strategic Tech Fund at Alumni Ventures, about the intersection of AI, infrastructure, and energy. We unpack what AI’s growing appetite means for the physical world, from grid stress to data center bottlenecks, and where real opportunity lies for startups. Get the inside scoop on how one of Alumni Ventures' investors is thinking about the future of AI infra and energy.
May 27, 2025 • 13min
Inside Mercor: Velocity, Focus, and Scaling with Rohan Kamalakantha
In this episode, I sit down with Rohan Kamalakantha, Strategic Projects Lead at Mercor, to unpack how the company became one of the fastest-growing startups globally ($1M - $100M in ARR in 11 months). We dive into Mercor’s unique approaches and internal velocity and how a lean team with ruthless focus can outpace the market. Rohan shares what sets Mercor apart in the AI talent space, and how they think about scaling without losing speed.
