Autumn-Kyoko Cushman (AK)

Background

Former Navy Nurse: Served in D.C. for five years.
Healthcare for Dignitaries: Provided care for Senators, Congressmen, and executives. Senator Ted Cruz was a former patient.
Current Role: Involved in an AI Health Startup that is building infrastructure. They have a significant monetary offer to move the company to San Francisco.
Personal Style: Describes her gala attire as "Texas Chic."
Japanese Heritage: Confirmed by her middle name Kyoko ("Just the left half").

Attended the Texas Venture Gala, having received tickets from a VC fund.
Was waiting for Senator Cruz to finish his appearance at the Gala, as he was a former patient when she was a Navy Nurse in D.C.

Co-founder/leader of an AI Health Startup focused on building infrastructure.
The startup has a substantial offer ("quite a bit of money on the table") to relocate to San Francisco.
She is currently in a suite with Zach Topp (implying he might be a co-founder or associate in the venture).

Reason for Attending Gala: Initially joked it was due to VC tickets, then revealed she was waiting for Senator Cruz.
Professional Background: Shared her past as a Navy Nurse caring for high-level officials, including Senator Cruz.
Current Work: Briefly described her AI Health Startup and the potential move to San Francisco due to a funding/relocation offer.
Shared Interests: Briefly touched upon vinyl records (Gary mentioned getting into it due to "awesome microtubules," AK owns her "grand record").
Networking: Exchanged contact information with Gary.

Appears to have a sense of humor (e.g., "The truth or like bullshit? I'm happy to give either").
Professional and connected, given her past role and current venture.
Decisive and considering significant strategic moves for her company (Austin vs. SF).

Given her AI Health Startup, there might be overlaps or shared interests with Gary's AI advisory work, particularly if it touches healthcare or high-net-worth individuals.
Her connection to Senator Cruz, though historical, might be a point of shared contact.
As a fellow entrepreneur in the AI space, potential for general networking and knowledge sharing.

Transcript ID	Date	Summary
2025-05-30-autumn-kyoko-cushman-gala-discussion	2025-05-30	Brief conversation at Texas Venture Gala about her Navy nursing background, Senator Cruz connection, and AI Health Startup

2025-05-30 (Gala, W Austin exterior): Met Gary Sheng outside the W Austin during the Texas Venture Gala. Discussed her attire ("Texas Chic"), her past as a Navy Nurse (Senator Cruz was a patient), and her current AI Health Startup which is considering a move to San Francisco. They exchanged contact information. Also present was a friend/colleague named Zach Topp.