Steve Brotman is the Managing Partner at Alpha Partners, a company that co-invests with the world’s best VCs by sharing economics with early-stage VCs. With extensive experience in venture capital, Steve co-founded and managed venture capital firms such as Greenhill SAVP and Silicon Alley Venture Partners, with notable investments in companies like LivePerson and Medidata Solutions. His entrepreneurial journey began with AdOne, a venture-backed company that revolutionized online classified advertising and garnered significant industry recognition. A recipient of multiple accolades, Steve has been named in Crain's Tech 100 and 40 Under 40 among New York business leaders. Episode Chapters:   (00:00) Introduction (00:36) Steve Brotman reflects on launching the Driving Alpha podcast (01:59) Steve  discusses venture capital trends (02:50) Changing the venture capital model to benefit both parties (04:02) Why Steve partners with 850 VCs to provide funding for technology companies (04:27) AI's potential impact on jobs and industries (13:00) How has technology influenced the democratization of education? (18:00) What is the future of biotech and an AI-driven society? In this episode… Venture capital, an ever-evolving landscape, serves as the engine driving innovation and growth in the tech realm. How can investors in this space harness technology for positive societal impact while navigating ethical considerations? Venture capitalist Steve Brotman delves into the future of VC, highlighting the transformative impacts of emerging technologies like AI. As the discussion extends to early-stage investments in drone and robotics companies, Steve explores the ethical considerations surrounding autonomous driving and the prospect of robots serving humans in the future. By prioritizing ethical considerations, venture capital can emerge not only as a vehicle for financial gain, but as a catalyst for innovation that balances progress with social responsibility, shaping a future where technology serves humanity's collective interests. In this episode of the Driving Alpha podcast, we flip the script as veteran journalist Ron Insana interviews Steve Brotman, podcast host and Managing Partner at Alpha Partners. They discuss the evolving models of venture capital, AI’s benefits and potential impact on the VC ecosystem, and the viability of biotech investments.

Ron Insana is an award-winning financial analyst and commentator at CNBC, where he shares insights into economic trends. In addition to writing for Money magazine and USA Today, Ron has hosted two nationally syndicated radio programs. He previously served as the CEO of Insana Capital Partners, which, at its peak, managed the $125 million Insana Capital Partners "Legends Fund.” With a background in film production, he ventured into financial reporting in 1984, eventually becoming a regular anchor at CNBC. Ron has authored four books on investing and is recognized as one of the "Top 100 Business News Journalists of the 20th Century." He is a sought-after lecturer on economics and financial markets, graduating with honors from California State University Northridge. Episode Chapters:   (00:00) Introduction (05:37) Ron Insana’s journey climbing the ranks of the media industry (09:37) The impact of the Great Recession (11:21) Ron recounts interviews with Bill Clinton, Warren Buffett, and Steve Jobs (15:26) What is the future of financial media? (19:18) The impact of new technologies like AI on news reporting (23:25) The intersection of US politics, economy, and media (24:21) Ron’s thoughts on the US financial market  In this episode… Financial media has come a long way in a short span of time in the transition from traditional to digital platforms. This shift has led to the ubiquity of newer formats such as online news sites, podcasts, and social media influencers. How has this transformation changed the way we access financial information, and what does it mean for the future? With a career spanning the early days of CNBC to the present, Ron Insana, a veteran financial analyst and commentator, has witnessed this transformation firsthand. Reflecting on the pioneering days of financial news networks, he highlights the profound shift toward accessibility and interactivity. However, while technological advancements offer new opportunities for engagement and outreach, the proliferation of misinformation and the increased politicization of news present formidable challenges. With the rise of AI-based fintech platforms and the fragmentation of media consumption habits, financial media outlets are challenged to adapt to changing consumer preferences while maintaining the integrity and credibility of their content. In this episode of the Driving Alpha podcast, Steve Brotman discusses the evolution of financial media with media veteran Ron Insana. The two discuss Ron’s media career trajectory, emerging trends in financial media, ethical considerations regarding the use of AI, and the intersection of US politics, economy, and media.