(The following transcript has been revised and polished for clarity and conciseness without losing the essence of the conversation in this episode.)
VO: Welcome to Women Wisdom Worth, the podcast series from Uplevyl, where we learn from women around the world about what they’re doing to find success and joy in this digital age. For show notes and free bonus resources, visit Uplevyl.com/podcast. We’d love it if you subscribe, like, leave a nice review, and share the show with your friends and colleagues. And remember to check out Uplevyl.
Uplevyl is the global leader of women-trained generative AI transforming society and business, featuring women-centric data inputs, insight, and advice. You’ll find all the answers you need in a way that works for you as you navigate the complexities of modern life. Check it out on Uplevyl.com. Let’s get started with your host, Sara Bhonsale. Over to you, Sara.
Sara Bhonsale: I am honored and excited to introduce our guest today, Chenxi Wang. Chenxi is a respected expert in cybersecurity and a thought leader in the tech industry, known for her work advancing security, risk management, and policy. She holds a PhD in computer science and has held senior roles in both the private sector and academia, including positions at Intel Security, Forrester Research, and CipherCloud.
Chenxi recently founded Rain Capital, a venture firm focused on early-stage cybersecurity investments, especially in companies led by women and underrepresented founders. She is also a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in tech, particularly in cybersecurity and AI. Her work highlights the importance of ethics in AI and the role of diverse voices in building secure, responsible technologies. She is a frequent speaker and writer, bridging technical and strategic perspectives while making complex topics accessible. Chenxi, it is a privilege to have you with us today.
Chenxi Wang: Thank you, Sara. Thank you for having me.
Sara Bhonsale: I’d love to start with your journey. Can you share some of the experiences that shaped you into the leader you are today in tech and cybersecurity?
Chenxi Wang: My career path was not a straight line. I didn’t start out with a long-term plan. A series of events led me here, including pursuing a PhD in computer science with a focus on information security and working in both academia and industry. I’ve held research and operating roles, which gave me diverse perspectives that I rely on today, especially in my work in venture capital and market research. Understanding technology trends and what’s emerging has roots in all of my past experience.
Sara Bhonsale: You bring such a breadth of experience across academia, research, and industry. Gender equity in tech is core to the Uplevyl mission. What have you found to be the most effective ways to empower and support women in tech?
Chenxi Wang: There are many ways to support women and diversity broadly. One thing I’ve found effective is embedding equity and inclusion into everyday work rather than treating it as a side project. When diversity efforts are disconnected from core business objectives, they’re difficult to sustain. When inclusion is part of business processes and leadership accountability, you see meaningful change.
Sara Bhonsale: Can you share an example of that integration?
Chenxi Wang: Executive KPIs are one example. When leaders are accountable for diversity outcomes as part of their performance metrics, support becomes more widespread and consistent. It shifts the mindset from attending a DEI event to asking what each person can do daily to advance inclusion.
Sara Bhonsale: You’ve had a storied career across sectors and now run your own venture firm. What challenges shaped that path?
Chenxi Wang: My interests evolved over time. I tend to get bored if I’m not learning new things. I often spent five or six years in one area before moving on. Those transitions from academia to industry research to operating roles and now venture capital reflected changes in my interests and challenges. If I’m not excited to get out of bed and go to work, I know it’s time for change.
Sara Bhonsale: Let’s talk about generative AI. From your perspective as a venture capitalist, what impact do you believe GenAI will have on society?
Chenxi Wang: I believe the impact will be fundamental, greater than we fully understand today. Generative AI is a general-purpose technology, similar to electricity. When electricity was first introduced, people underestimated its transformative potential. Its real impact came decades later when it enabled entirely new processes and productivity gains. I think GenAI is in a similar early stage.
Sara Bhonsale: How long do you think it will take to see that level of adoption?
Chenxi Wang: I don’t think it will take 40 or 50 years. My guess is closer to 10. When AI is embedded into daily tasks and business processes so seamlessly that we no longer think about it, that’swhen we’ll see full adoption and its true productivity impact.
Sara Bhonsale: Do you believe AI will be a democratizer or risk widening socioeconomic gaps?
Chenxi Wang: Eventually, it will be a democratizer, but not immediately. Early benefits will go to those with resources and access. Over time, as adoption spreads, it will become more equalizing, much like electricity did.
Sara Bhonsale: We’re still early. How can we ensure diverse voices shape AI development ethically?
Chenxi Wang: Responsible innovation requires proactive safeguards. Ethical and responsible AI practices, such as guardrails, bias testing, red teaming, and accountability, are essential. These practices need to be part of standard development processes, not exceptions. Without them, AI risks reinforcing inequality rather than reducing it.
Sara Bhonsale: Do you encounter skepticism about supporting underrepresented groups in cybersecurity?
Chenxi Wang: Yes, frequently. I’ve been asked why women-focused forums exist. I would love for a day when we don’t need them, but we’re not there yet. These forums exist because additionalsupport is still needed. Awareness and intentionality are critical, especially as AI systems increasingly make decisions that affect access to education and opportunity.
Sara Bhonsale: What advice would you give young women entering tech, cybersecurity, or venture capital?
Chenxi Wang: Everyone’s path is different. For me, I don’t focus on my gender in professional settings; I focus on the work and outcomes. It’s important to recognize patterns, understand when bias may be at play, and focus on results. Confidence grows through experience, and opportunities come from persistence, learning, and demonstrating impact.
Sara Bhonsale: As we close, what legacy do you hope to leave?
Chenxi Wang: I hope my work leaves a mark on technology whether by advancing emerging technologies or contributing to diversity and inclusion. Either or both would be meaningful to me.
Sara Bhonsale: Thank you so much for your time and insight today. How can people connect with you?
Chenxi Wang: You can find me on LinkedIn or visit RainCapital.vc. There’s a contact email on the site as well.
VO: Thanks for joining us on Women Wisdom Worth, the podcast series from Uplevyl, where we learn from women around the world about what they’re doing to find success and joy in this digital age. For show notes and resources, visit Uplevyl.com/podcast. Subscribe, like, leave a review, and share the show with friends and colleagues. And remember to check out Uplevyl, the global leader of women-trained generative AI featuring women-centric data inputs, insight, and advice. Thanks, and see you soon.