Say hello to Ryan Metz, Head of Engineering at Intel® Liftoff for AI Startups, who serves as an invaluable mentor to the AI tech innovators of tomorrow. A seasoned AI architect with an illustrious career, Ryan’s professional journey has equipped him to guide startups and lay the groundwork for the mentorship approach that thrives today at Intel® Liftoff.
Before stepping into his role at Intel® Liftoff, Ryan was the Global Engineering Lead for Intel® AI Builders, a program that works closely with Intel business partners to optimize AI workloads. Ryan’s tenure there no doubt cemented his role as a leading figure in the AI industry. He also brings to the table experience from a principal engineer role at a large consulting firm, where he served as an AI architect for major corporate customers. Now, with Intel® Liftoff, he continues his commitment to driving innovation, mentoring startups for the past 18 months, and leveraging his experience from his consulting days on the Cornell Tech campus.
Unlike many other accelerators, Intel® Liftoff doesn't operate in batches with cohorts. "Our program is based on long-term partnerships," Ryan expounds, confirming that he has advised over 90 members in some capacity, each one benefiting from his vast knowledge and experience.
Ryan’s Advice for Early-Stage AI Startups
Guiding the growth of AI startups is a nuanced process, and Ryan understands the importance of a customer-driven roadmap for their success. He advises startups at the outset of their journey: "Companies need market discipline and cannot get it without a product in the market, without customers. Without customers, you cannot achieve product-market fit. Until you land your first customer, you cannot have a customer-demand-driven roadmap; all you have is a theory of what people might want. Focus on getting to an MVP that creates enough customer value that you can get customers, and then let their needs guide your development and strategy. Be more in love with your customers than with the grand stories tech influencers are spinning up."
In his role as an AI Lead in the Intel® Liftoff for startups program, Ryan extends expertise, advice, and strategic guidance tailored for CTOs of AI companies. "Find value that your business can create with AI that no one else can match," he emphasizes, encouraging CTOs to explore unique and distinctive applications of AI capabilities. This directive underscores the imperative for AI companies to unearth unique value propositions, leveraging new capabilities to create unparalleled value and establish a robust competitive advantage.
Ryan further highlights the transformative impact of Intel's scale and depth of knowledge in problem-solving: "Intel brings a scale to solving problems that few other entities in the world can match. The depth of knowledge and experience at the company is astounding." This profound perspective and knowledge base, he asserts, have been a game-changer in his mentoring approach.
CTOs, seeking to propel their AI companies to new heights, can leverage Ryan Metz's practical advice and hands-on mentoring within the Intel® Liftoff program, integrating innovative solutions and strategic insights to forge a path of unparalleled success.
Are you an early-stage AI startup? Discover more about the Intel® Liftoff’s AI Startup Accelerator Program here.
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