97% of AI Startups Are Failing — Here’s How Empower Plans to Survive with Tamara Laine

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we sit down with Tamara Laine — Emmy-winning journalist turned FinTech founder — now co-founder of Empower, a platform reimagining how creditworthiness is measured in a world of gig work, AI, and financial exclusion.Tamara brings a bold, justice-centered approach to innovation — not just because it’s timely, but because it’s long overdue.🏗️ Why the U.S. credit system is still stuck in the 1950s — and who it’s leaving behind💳 How Empower is creating holistic credit profiles for gig workers and non-W2 earners🧠 What investigative journalism taught Tamara about innovation and storytelling⚠️ Why 97% of AI startups are failing — and how to avoid the “wrapper” trap🔍 How transparency builds trust in financial tech (and mitigates risk more than compliance)This one’s for every founder building in FinTech, equity-centered tech, or trying to lead with integrity in an AI era.Thanks for tuning in to Breakthrough Innovation! Want to subscribe to the podcast? Have feedback to share? Connect with us on Spotify or iTunes and leave us a review—we’d love to hear from you!