Why the Dialpad - Cal partnership means so much to me

There are few opportunities in life where the work you do and the things you love genuinely overlap. For me, this is one of them. When those things happen, you just have to soak it up.

We all love what we do. But having something this personally meaningful line up with your life's work is rare... and that's exactly what this partnership represents.

As a proud Cal alum (BA '88, JD '95), I've always known UC Berkeley is a place that challenges the norms, encourages people to think differently, question assumptions, and build what's next. Those values shaped me as a student, and they've continued to shape Dialpad from the day we started the company.

That's why I'm incredibly proud to announce our partnership with Cal Athletics.

Dialpad is becoming the inaugural jersey patch partner across all 30 of Cal's Division I athletics programs — plus Cal's storied, national champion rugby program — the first brand to appear on every Cal team's uniform as Cal begins an exciting new chapter in the ACC. Just as importantly, Dialpad will serve as the Official AI Platform for Fan Experience of Cal Athletics, helping the Bears create more connected, personalized experiences for every member of the Cal family.

There's also something fitting about two Bay Area innovators coming together.

Cal is the epicenter of AI. The Bay Area is ground zero for the innovation reshaping this entire field — and so much of it traces straight back to the work happening at Berkeley. It's remarkable. I couldn't imagine a better partner to exemplify what Dialpad is doing: pushing the boundaries of what's possible with wildly innovative AI in the customer experience space — and, in this case, the fan experience.

That shared belief in innovation is what makes this partnership so exciting.

When people think about AI, they often think about automation.

I think about conversations.

Every great fan experience starts with one.

A lifelong season ticket holder needing extra seats. A first-time visitor calling with a question about the stadium layout. An alum making a gift. A parent looking for parking before kickoff. Every one of those moments is an opportunity to build a stronger relationship.

At Dialpad, that's exactly what we've spent years building our platform to do.

Our AI platform helps organizations understand the people they're serving, make smarter decisions in real time, and continuously improve every interaction. Every interaction helps Cal make the next one even better.

That's why this partnership is about so much more than putting our logo on a jersey.

It's about helping Cal Athletics learn from every fan conversation to create an experience that becomes smarter, more personal, and more connected over time.

Conversation leads to intelligence. Intelligence leads to better fan experiences.

That's what it means to be an AI platform — not simply answering questions, but helping organizations continuously improve the way they connect with people.

As Cal competes on one of the biggest stages in college athletics, we're honored to support the university in a way that extends far beyond game day. Whether someone is attending their very first Cal event or has been cheering on the Bears for decades, our goal is simple: help every interaction feel easier, more personal, and more memorable.

On a personal level, it's incredibly meaningful to give back to a place that has had such a profound impact on my life.

Cal helped shape who I am as an entrepreneur and as a leader. Now, through this partnership, Dialpad has the opportunity to help shape the future of how Cal connects with its fans, alumni, students, and supporters around the world.

I'm excited for what's ahead.

Go Bears.