Dakota Research Interview: Blue Tulip Ventures

In this episode of Dakota Research, host Chris LeRoy sits down with Dr. Rana el Kaliouby, co-founder and managing partner of Blue Tulip Ventures, to explore the future of human-centric AI innovation. Drawing from her groundbreaking work as an AI scientist and entrepreneur, Dr. el Kaliouby shares the vision behind Blue Tulip Ventures: investing in AI startups that amplify human capabilities in health, wellness, productivity, and sustainable living.

The conversation highlights how Blue Tulip targets pre-seed and seed-stage companies with defensible technology, proprietary data, and real-world impact. Dr. el Kaliouby discusses the firm's technical diligence advantage, stemming from her deep AI expertise and strong ties to leading innovation ecosystems like MIT and Harvard. She also sheds light on emerging trends such as the virtual human economy and the evolving role of AI in regulated industries.

Listeners will gain insights into Blue Tulip’s hands-on approach to supporting founders, from product guidance to strategic visibility. With success stories like Figure AI and Synthpop, the episode offers a firsthand look at how Blue Tulip is shaping the next generation of responsible AI entrepreneurship. Dr. el Kaliouby closes with practical advice for AI founders: stay lean, build defensibility, and focus on creating real value.

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