Infra-tech: New definitions & funding modes
The hosts:
Shakil Karim, Actia Capital Partners
Toba Spiegel, Loom Ventures
What is this Ripple about?
As infra tech evolves (including blurring dividing lines), so do business models and funding. This is an exploration of what's new.
Why this topic timely or urgent in 2026
Timely (& urgent): AI demand > supply > planetary boundaries with current infra. Need continued innovation and acceleration in this area.
Key questions or challenges being explored
How has infratech evolved (practical definitions, what have we learned)?
What are some of the emerging models?
To what extent are we seeing new ways to support these capital-wise?
The main tension or debate at the heart of this discussion
Who would get the most value from attending this Ripple?
Founders (comparing notes and learning about scaling options), Investors (comparing notes on view of this space), Incubators/Government organizations/Ecosystem players (identifying connective-tissue points that are relevant for their programs)