Connected With Latham

Hosted by Latham & Watkins

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119

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Jun 2026

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In each episode of Connected With Latham, we discuss ideas, developments, and trends shaping the global economy.

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June 4, 2026Episode 11947 min

Episode 119 – The Growth Rocketship: How Rakuten Capital Masters Diplomatic Capitalism

The corporate venture capital arm of Rakuten Group, Rakuten Capital invests in innovative startups across fintech, AI, and other high-growth sectors. Since its founding in 2014, Rakuten Capital has invested in companies like Lyft, Pinterest, Careem, and Upstart, establishing itself as a distinctive force in corporate venture investing. In this episode of Connected With Latham, Haim Zaltzman, Global Vice Chair of Latham's Emerging Companies & Growth Practice, sits down with Saemin Ahn, Managing Partner of Rakuten Capital and Executive Officer of Rakuten Group, to discuss Rakuten Capital's investment thesis, its approach to AI infrastructure and energy, and the art of diplomatic capitalism. This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200

May 29, 2026Episode 11849 min

Episode 118 – The Growth Rocketship: Axiado Takes Cybersecurity Inside the Rack

Founded in 2020, Axiado deploys hardware-anchored, AI-driven platform security by embedding silicon directly on the rack, protecting AI and cloud infrastructure against cyberattacks in real time. Latham represented Axiado in its oversubscribed US$100+ million Series C+ funding round. In this episode of Connected With Latham, Haim Zaltzman, Global Vice Chair of Latham's Emerging Companies & Growth Practice, sits down with Gopi Sirineni, Founder, President, and CEO of Axiado, to discuss the company's proximity-based security approach, the evolving cybersecurity landscape for AI infrastructure, and India's growing role in the global semiconductor ecosystem. This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200

May 21, 2026Episode 11738 min

Episode 117 – The Growth Rocketship: Using AI to Accelerate Analog Semiconductor Design With Celera

Celera Semiconductor aims to radically accelerate the development of analog semiconductor chips using AI. Founded in 2018, Celera has raised US$34 million in funding, including a recent Series A led by Maverick Silicon that Latham advised on. The company partners with the world's largest independent analog fab to engage customers in high-growth industries like data centers, consumer electronics, and industrial components. In this episode of Connected With Latham, Haim Zaltzman, Global Vice Chair of Latham's Emerging Companies & Growth Practice, sits down with Celera's Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Brockett and Chief Operating Officer, Alberto Viviani, to discuss the technology breakthrough behind Celera's platform, its go-to-market strategy in the booming custom analog segment, and the talent, capital, and macro trends shaping the future of AI-driven semiconductor design. This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200

May 13, 2026Episode 11648 min

Episode 116 – Drug Pricing and Market Access: CMS Update With Rujul Desai

The Trump administration has advanced many policy initiatives in the drug pricing and market access area, and CMS —the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — is the agency at the heart of many of these efforts. Rujul Desai, Senior Counselor to CMS and former Deputy General Counsel at the Department of Health & Human Services, joins Washington, D.C. partner Chris Schott and associate Danny Machado for an update on key CMS priorities. Rujul also discusses the transition from big law to government and shares practice pointers for engaging with the agency. Also check out our bi-weekly Drug Pricing Digest on the website or subscribe to receive future editions in your inbox. This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200

April 27, 2026Episode 11520 min

Episode 115 – Drug Pricing and Market Access: Highlights From Recent CMS and AHLA Conferences

Washington, D.C. partner Chris Schott, and associates Danny Machado and Evan Rothkoff, share observations and insights from the recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Conference and the American Health Law Association's Institute on Medicare and Medicaid Payment Issues conference. They also discuss updates that government speakers shared at these events. Also check out our bi-weekly Drug Pricing Digest on the website or subscribe to receive future editions in your inbox. This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200

April 23, 2026Episode 11456 min

Episode 114 – The Growth Rocketship: Using AI and Human Expertise to Build Tomorrow's Leading Brands With A-Frame

A-Frame Brands identifies emerging signals in culture, consumer behavior, and category white space — then moves fast to bring the right products to shelf. They work two ways: co-creating private-label and exclusive product lines with the world's leading retailers, building a portfolio of standalone brands with world-class talent partners across beauty, personal care, fragrance, home care, and pet care. In this episode of Connected With Latham, Haim Zaltzman, Global Vice Chair of Latham's Emerging Companies & Growth Practice, sits down with A-Frame's Founder and CEO, Ari Bloom, to discuss A-Frame's business model, how the company has evolved, and what draws retailers and talent partners to A-Frame. This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200

April 21, 2026Episode 11339 min

Episode 113 – Helping Holocaust Survivors

Over two decades, more than 350 Latham lawyers have taken on Holocaust reparations matters, helping Holocaust survivors apply for pensions for work performed in Nazi-controlled ghettos during World War II. In this episode of Connected With Latham, Laura Atkinson-Hope, Public Service Counsel and Director of Global Pro Bono at Latham, sits down with Anna Bravo, Attorney Support Manager and longtime leader of the firm's Holocaust reparations program, and Isabelle Sarfati, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor client. Together, they reflect on the completion of Latham's final reparations case in 2025, the challenges survivors faced in documenting their experiences, and how Isabelle's curiosity and research about her father's experience in the Warsaw Ghetto ultimately led to a successful outcome for her family. This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200

April 14, 2026Episode 11249 min

Episode 112 – The Growth Rocketship: Navigating the Institutional Evolution of the Blockchain World With ParaFi

ParaFi Capital is an alternative asset management and technology firm focused on blockchain and digital assets. Founded in 2018, the firm was among the earliest institutional investors in the blockchain industry and has evolved into a trusted partner to leading institutions around the world. Latham has advised ParaFi on a range of strategic investments across the digital asset ecosystem, including venture financings and DeFi transactions. In this episode of Connected With Latham, Haim Zaltzman, Global Vice Chair of Latham's Emerging Companies & Growth Practice, sits down with ParaFi's Founder and Managing Partner, Ben Forman, and Chief Operating Officer and Partner, Adrian Uberto, to discuss the company's growth journey, the macro and AI trends shaping the future of blockchain and cryptocurrency, and how ParaFi is positioned to navigate them. This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200

March 10, 2026Episode 11148 min

Episode 111 – The Growth Rocketship: The Future of Rewards-Based Advertising With Fetch

Founded in 2013, Fetch is a daily rewards destination for consumers and brands, turning everyday actions like shopping, dining out, and playing games into tangible value for consumers while delivering measurable advertising for consumer, retail, and restaurant brands. Latham represented Fetch on a series of strategic growth financing transactions in 2025. In this episode of Connected With Latham, Haim Zaltzman, Global Vice Chair of Latham's Emerging Companies & Growth Practice, sits down with Fetch's Chief Financial Officer Gideon Oppenheimer and General Counsel Dave Toomey to explore macro shifts in advertising, capital allocation tradeoffs, expansion into new verticals like fitness and health, and creating a transparent, privacy-forward ecosystem powered by AI to build long-term trust with users. This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200

February 18, 2026Episode 11016 min

Episode 110 – Spotlight on US State Healthcare Transaction Review Laws

States continue to expand their review of healthcare transactions involving private equity, real estate investment trusts, management services organizations, and other investors. Join Washington, D.C. counsel Nicole Liffrig Molife, Los Angeles counsel Yanyan Zhou, and Washington, D.C. associate Margaret Rote as they discuss how the increased level of state regulatory oversight affect health services transactions and key takeaways for investors looking to purchase healthcare companies this year. Also check out our report: US State Regulatory Spotlight on Healthcare Transactions: Reflections From 2025 This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200