Prepare to unlock the secrets of successful data infrastructure investment with the guidance of Ryan Wexler, VP at Unusual Ventures. Transitioning from the meticulous realm of data engineering right into the heart of venture capitalism, Ryan offers an unparalleled perspective on pinpointing the most promising data companies. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, where we uncover the critical ingredients that elevate a startup from a mere niche player to a scalable powerhouse in the competitive data sector, all thanks to the strategic support Unusual Ventures provides. As we navigate the intricate evolution of the modern data stack, it becomes clear that while data warehouses once lured enterprises with their cost-effectiveness, burgeoning scales of operation have led to some sleepless nights over soaring expenses. This is where our discussion takes a turn into the groundbreaking realm of data lakes and independent storage solutions – the silent disruptors offering a respite by decoupling storage from compute costs. Listen in to understand how businesses are strategizing to harness these technologies for optimized data management, marking a seismic shift in the tech landscape. And then there's the undeniable surge of AI – a tidal wave of innovation that's transforming the face of industry after industry. This episode peeks behind the curtain of AI integration, highlighting how trailblazers like Druva and ThoughtSpot are embedding AI to revolutionize their offerings. As we dissect the proliferation of AI tools, our dialogue serves as a compass for startups and enterprises alike, emphasizing the importance of a laser focus on ROI and the wisdom of keeping those burn rates low amidst an ever-changing economic backdrop. Join us for a journey that not only demystifies the complexities of data ROI but also navigates the myriad choices in the expanding universe of AI adoption. What's New In Data is a data thought leadership series hosted by John Kutay who leads data and products at Striim. What's New In Data hosts industry practitioners to discuss latest trends, common patterns for real world data patterns, and analytics success stories.