Join us for a Lang Talk with Cyrus Massoumi '03, founder of Zocdoc and Dr. B. Cyrus will discuss his entrepreneurial journey from Columbia Business School to building two groundbreaking ventures in digital health. Cyrus will offer a behind-the-scenes look at Zocdoc’s early challenges and milestones, discuss the lessons learned along the way, and bring us up to date with his latest venture, Dr. B. The conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A.

​Zocdoc is a digital healthcare platform that helps patients find and book appointments with doctors and healthcare providers online. It allows users to search by specialty, location, and insurance, read verified patient reviews, and schedule visits instantly—all in one convenient place.

​Dr. B is an online healthcare platform offering affordable telehealth services across primary care, dermatology, sexual & reproductive health, and longevity/weight-loss programs. As a certified B-Corporation, Dr. B provides “No-Cost Care” for qualifying patients facing financial hardship

Location:

Mailman School of Public Health,
Allan Rosenfield Auditorium
722 West 168th Street, 8th Floor

Take the 1 train to 168th

​Join us for an evening of bold ideas and big ambitions at the Big Idea Challenge Pitch Competition — where early-stage founders take the stage to present innovative solutions to some of today’s most pressing problems.

​Watch as selected student and alumni founders pitch live before a panel of top VCs. The competition will spotlight startups building scalable, impactful ventures and competing for equity-free grant funding, expert feedback, and community recognition.

​🏆 Prizes

​$5,000 each to the Top 2 Pitches
​$2,500 to the Startup Tackling the Biggest Problem

​After the pitches, stay for a networking reception with founders, investors, and members of the Columbia startup community. Celebrate the finalists, connect with peers, and continue the conversation over light refreshments.

​🤝 Thank you to the Columbia Angel Network for their support

Location:

David Geffen Hall,Board Room 330

645 W 130th St. New York, NY 10027

Taste & Shop @ CBS is your opportunity to experience a taste of the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives at CBS. At this tabling event, startups built by students and alumni will bring their products for you to explore, experience, and purchase firsthand.

Location:

David Geffen Hall,Board Room 330

645 W 130th St. New York, NY 10027

Co-sponsored by Morrison & Foerster LLP

Join us for a half-day conference bringing together founders, investors, and operators at the forefront of the AI revolution. Through two dynamic panels and a networking lunch, we’ll explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the startup landscape, from how companies are funded to how they build lasting competitive advantage.

​Beyond the Model: Building Moats in the Age of AI
10:00-10:50am

​AI is fueling a new wave of bold ideas — but lasting impact requires more than great technology. As tools become more accessible, founders must find new ways to build defensibility through data, design, and distribution. This session unpacks what it takes to stand out in an AI-driven world — and how to turn a powerful idea into a business competitors can’t easily copy.

Speakers:

- Josh Kaplan '14, Founder, Ghost

- Mark DeSantis, Serial AI Founder (RoadBotics and kWwantera), CMU Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship and AI 

- Ross Goldenberg '07 (Moderator), Founder SiteCompli (exited), Kernel & CBS Professor of Entrepreneurship
​

Funding in the Age of AI
11:00-11:50am
​AI is transforming how the next generation of big ideas get funded — reshaping both sides of the table. Investors are adopting new tools to identify, evaluate, and support startups faster than ever, while founders are using AI to sharpen strategy, storytelling, and speed to market. This session explores how AI is changing the dynamics of capital and creation — from sourcing and diligence to fundraising and growth.

Speakers:

- Erica Duignan '04, Co-Founder & General Partner, Reign Ventures

- Maria Anthony, VP Investment Team, Motive Partners

- Vince Ponzo '03 (Moderator), Ex-Amazon Responsible AI Business Development Lead, AWS Startup Business Development, Former MD Lang Center 

Networking Lunch

12:00-1:30pm

Continue the conversation over lunch with fellow founders, investors, and operators shaping the future of AI. This informal networking session is a chance to connect with speakers and attendees, exchange ideas sparked by the morning’s discussions, and build relationships that can turn insights into action.
 

Location:
Morrison & Foerster LLP

250 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019"