From Wall Street to Life Sciences: Building Trust in AI with Sakthivel (SV) Vellingiri

What does it take to leave a successful Wall Street career and build technology that could help improve people's lives?

In this episode of the NY Professional Spotlight Podcast, host Roman Kirzhner sits down with Sakthivel (SV) Vellingiri, an experienced technology professional who made the move from financial services to life sciences.

After spending years working with leading investment banks and fintech companies, SV decided to follow his passion for using technology to make a meaningful difference. Today, he's focused on developing AI-powered platforms that help life sciences and pharmaceutical companies manage data, improve trust, and support drug discovery and development.

From Finance to Life Sciences

SV shares how his background in electrical engineering led him into technology and eventually to Wall Street. Despite building a successful career in financial services, he felt driven to take on a new challenge.

He explains why he chose life sciences, how calculated risk-taking shaped his career, and why his family's support has been so important throughout his journey.

Why Trust Matters in Artificial Intelligence

AI can process large amounts of data and help companies work faster. But in highly regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, getting the right answer is only part of the challenge.

SV discusses why data accuracy, traceability, and accountability are essential when using AI in drug development.

He also explains the two key areas his company is developing: data provenance and data intelligence.

Keeping People Involved in AI Decisions

Can AI make important decisions on its own?

SV believes human oversight remains essential, especially in industries where mistakes can affect people's lives.

He explains how AI can support research, analyze information, and make recommendations while people remain responsible for final decisions.

Career Lessons, Investing, and Building for the Future

Roman and SV also explore the importance of embracing challenges, taking calculated risks, and looking beyond financial success.

Drawing on his Wall Street experience, SV shares his preference for long-term investing over active trading for everyday investors.

He also discusses his startup's goals, the importance of his engineering team, and his vision for bringing trustworthy AI technology to more life sciences companies.

Key Topics Discussed

• SV's journey from electrical engineering to Wall Street and life sciences

• Why he left a successful financial services career

• How AI could support pharmaceutical research and drug development

• The importance of data provenance, accuracy, and auditability

• Why human oversight is essential in regulated industries

• Calculated risk-taking and professional growth

• Long-term investing versus active trading

• Building a technology startup focused on trustworthy AI