James Levine

Head of Product

2020 - Current

• own productization and technology transfer for an AI and NLP research lab, building and utilizing LLMs and knowledge graphs in tasks such as text extraction, text synthesis, document understanding and matching, table understanding, human-in-the-loop systems • originally consulted on creation of the lab, including researching and selecting the lab focus and positioning, recruitment of key members, development of pitch to the board of directors [2015-2016] • later consulted on everyday management issues, including interfacing with head office in Japan [2018-2019] • eventually after lab had accumulated a substantial portfolio of publications, came on board as head of product to set the next direction, establish relationships within the family of companies, and get the research integrated and deployed as useful product.

Principal

2012

• Fractional CTO / CPO for post-seed startup companies • Advisor to overseas corporate VC and innovation programs (especially from Japan) • EIR / Mentor / CTO for incubated companies in several standalone and corporate incubation programs • Keep international clients up to date with the latest trends, methods, and technologies in Silicon Valley • Provide Silicon Valley presence / representation for international VCs • Provide startup deal flow for international VCs • International / domestic LP introductions for funds

CTO & Product Coach / Advisor

2012

Restructured Big Data / AI team organization & teams within an organization of approximately 275 data scientists and engineers. Advised executives & managers & co-developed strategy for organizational growth & improvement. Brought in Silicon Valley engineering best practices & technology.

Mentor and Limited Partner - Product & Technology (CPO / CTO) focus

2010

A very active mentor to the 20+ batches of startups so far, hundreds of startups. Focus on organizing tech+product teams, getting proper process in place, positioning key engineering contributors, leaders, and product owners, growing/coaching key people into new roles as the company grows.

Interim CTO

2015 - 2017

Investor & Advisor

2010 - 2014

LaunchRock (acquired by Fundable), LookSharp/InternMatch (Acquired by WayUp 2017), High Score House, Virgo / Guestmob

CTO

2004 - 2011

(Acquired 2016) Grew & managed engineering from first few contributors, to a substantial group of many teams, building and operating a complex system with many moving parts. Grew & managed engineering & tech operations, product management team, data science team, etc.

Software Engineer

2001 - 2002

Embedded Systems Software Engineer

2001 - 2002

Software Engineer

1999 - 2000