Kartik Hosanagar
mediumactiveprofessorwhartonangel-investorai
Angel Portfolio (Selected)
- Elyx Health (healthcare concierge) — closest to our space
- EquityZen (acq. Morgan Stanley), Milo (acq. eBay), Stitch (acq. Talend), Custora (acq. Amperity)
- Stainless API, Crossbeam, AfterQuery, Retriever (analytics for conversational AI)
Interactions
| Date | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2024–2025 | Wharton class | Michael took his course |
Notes
- Michael got a C in his class — worth a self-deprecating opener when reaching out
- Reach out next week when fundraise conversation is more mature
- Not a healthcare expert, but a credibility stamp — "Wharton AI professor invested" is a strong signal
- Currently building Bodhium Labs (stealth) — he's active as a founder himself right now
Who
- John C. Hower Professor of Technology and Digital Business at Wharton (22+ years)
- Faculty co-director, Wharton Human-AI Research (WHAIR)
- Serial entrepreneur: co-founded Yodle (acquired by Web.com), Jumpcut (acquired by Cinelytic 2025), now Bodhium Labs
- Angel investor — 25+ startups including Elyx Health (healthcare concierge)
- Author: "A Human's Guide to Machine Intelligence" (2019)
- Former DoD Responsible AI Council member
- PhD Carnegie Mellon, based in Palo Alto
- 22,500+ LinkedIn followers
Connection to Us
- Michael's Wharton professor (AI and Business / Hi-Tech Industry)
- 39 mutual LinkedIn connections
- 1st degree connection with Michael
Why He Matters
- "I only invest in my former students and in areas close to data/AI" — Michael is a former student, DaisyAI is squarely in data/AI. We fit his investment criteria exactly.
- Wharton AI authority — his endorsement carries weight with other investors
- Deep network: 22k+ followers, DoD AI council, WHAIR, Hollywood/media (Jumpcut), broad startup portfolio
- Won't know healthcare deeply, but understands AI deployment in complex domains
- Angel check + credibility signal is the play here, not leading a round