California’s Innovation Edge

This week, I sat down with Sheel Mohnot of Better Tomorrow Ventures to talk about the future of FinTech and the future of California. As an early-stage investor in a regulated industry, Sheel offers a sharp lens on the trajectory of the state. 

We cover a lot of ground: why San Francisco still matters, how New York can outcompete California in FinTech, and what California needs to do if it wants to stay competitive.

Sheel talks about the startup ideas he wants to fund, why he loves California, and how financial technology could help the middle class. We also get into "AI Washing" and what it means for a startup to actually be building with AI.

Listen to the full episode below and let me know what you think!

Chapters
00:00 — Introduction and Personal Background
06:02 — The Vision of Better Tomorrow Ventures
08:23 — The Human Impact of FinTech
12:47 — Comparing FinTech Hubs: New York vs. San Francisco
18:54 — Challenges Facing California: Housing and Governance
26:44 — Startups You Want to See and is AI Washing
32:17 — Political Engagement and the Future of California

Also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.