Meet The AI Entrepreneur Who Used LinkedIn To Raise $13.8 Million

Imagine a tool so efficient it transforms the arduous task of managing data into something as simple and refined as laundry day. This is the vision of Benjamin Harvey, the ambitious CEO at the helm of AI Squared, a startup promising to be the ultimate "washing machine" for AI. In a compelling dialogue with Forbes, Harvey elucidates on the journey of securing a noteworthy $13.8 million Series A funding, with a surprising yet strategic ally found through LinkedIn – former TIAA CEO Roger Ferguson.

The narrative goes beyond merely recounting the successful fundraise. It delves into the essence of AI Squared, a company that emerged from Harvey's frustration over the underutilization of sophisticated AI models. With a potent mix of product licensing and data usage fees, AI Squared is on a trajectory to exceed $10 million in revenue by 2024. Such financial optimism stems from the company's vital service – extracting and operationalizing data from AI models, a much-needed solution in today's tech-scape.

Harvey's backstory, from tinkering with computers in his father’s study to conceptualizing AI Squared while at the NSA, paints a portrait of a visionary driven by relentless persistence. This is further exemplified by his bold decision to fund the company's infancy through personal savings. AI Squared's clientele, including the U.S. Air Force and the NSA, underscores the critical gap it fills – turning theoretical AI models into practical, real-time business solutions.

The analogy of a washing machine, as shared by investor George Papadopoulos, effectively illustrates the value proposition of AI Squared. It's not just about processing data; it's about delivering it in a manner that businesses can immediately leverage. This startup is set to revolutionize how we perceive and utilize AI, making it an indispensable tool for the future.