Skip to main content

Metadata

ID:
2025-05-30-autumn-kyoko-cushman-gala-discussion
Participants:

Conversation with Autumn-Kyoko Cushman (AK)

Overview​

Gary Sheng met Autumn-Kyoko Cushman (AK) outside the W Austin during the Texas Venture Gala. Their conversation touched on her reasons for attending the gala, her impressive background as a Navy Nurse who cared for high-level officials including Senator Ted Cruz, and her current venture as a co-founder of an AI Health Startup considering a move from Austin to San Francisco.

Key Discussion Points​

Initial Banter & Gala Attendance​

  • AK described her attire as "Texas Chic" but felt a bit out of place compared to typical "big gowns" at other galas.
  • When asked what brought her, she joked, "The bullshit is a VC fund sent us tickets."
  • The real reason: She was waiting for Senator Ted Cruz to emerge, as he was a former patient of hers.

Professional Background​

  • Former Navy Nurse: "I was a Navy nurse in D.C. for five years."
  • High-Profile Patients: Her patients included "Only senators, congressmen, executives." Senator Cruz was among them.
  • Current Venture: She is involved with an AI Health Startup. "We are. We're building an infrastructure."
    • Potential Relocation: "We have quite a bit of money on the table offering us to go back to SF, so..."
    • Associate: Mentioned having a suite with Zach Topp, presumably a colleague or co-founder.

Gary's Introduction​

  • Gary introduced himself and mentioned his work: "I advise patients and very high net worth individuals on AI and strategy."

Shared Interests (Briefly)​

  • Vinyl Records: A brief exchange about vinyl records, with Gary mentioning "awesome microtubules" and AK stating, "As someone who owns quite a few vinyls... Yes, I own all of my grand record."

Personal Details​

  • Name: Autumn-Kyoko Cushman, goes by AK.
  • Heritage: Confirmed her Japanese heritage from the name Kyoko ("Just the left half").

Notable Quotes​

  • Autumn-Kyoko Cushman on her gala attire: "It's Texas Chic."
  • Autumn-Kyoko Cushman on why she was at the gala (jokingly): "The bullshit is a VC fund sent us tickets."
  • Autumn-Kyoko Cushman on Senator Cruz: "He used to be a patient of mine... Yeah, I'm waiting for him to come out."
  • Autumn-Kyoko Cushman on her past role: "I was a Navy nurse in D.C. for five years... Only senators, congressmen, executives."
  • Autumn-Kyoko Cushman on her startup moving: "But we have quite a bit of money on the table offering us to go back to SF."
  • Autumn-Kyoko Cushman on her Japanese heritage: "Just the left half."

Next Steps​

  • Exchange of contact information occurred (method not explicitly stated but implied as Gary's phone was dying and a courier/buddy helped with charging/connection).
  • Gary took a quick photo for remembrance.

Overall Impression​

AK is a well-connected professional with a unique background spanning high-level military nursing and now AI health tech entrepreneurship. Her past connection to Senator Cruz is notable. The potential move of her AI Health Startup to San Francisco due to a significant offer indicates a venture of some promise. The interaction was brief but established a connection for potential future follow-up.