AI’s Next Revolution: Ex-Stripe CTO and Tech Heavyweights Launch $50M Start-Up 🌟

Hello, Visionary CTOs! 🌟

In this week’s newsletter, we’re diving into groundbreaking moments shaping tech the tech industry. From a $50M AI start-up redefining collaboration to tech leaders tackling holiday cybersecurity threats, there’s plenty to inspire, inform, and prepare you for what’s next.

Let’s explore how leaders across industries are driving innovation and resilience.

📰 Upcoming in this issue

• Ex-Stripe CTO Joins Forces with Meta and Google VPs to Launch $50M AI Start-Up 🤖

• CTO Realty Growth: A 7.5% Yield, Market Expansion, and Underrated Potential 📈

• CFO Alert: Holiday Cyber Threats That Could Impact Your Bottom Line 💻

Ex-Stripe CTO Joins Forces with Meta and Google VPs to Launch $50M AI Start-Up 🤖 read the full article here

Article published: November 27, 2024

Imagine a world where software doesn’t just execute commands—it collaborates with you like a human teammate. That’s the vision behind /dev/agents, a new San Francisco-based start-up co-founded by ex-Stripe CTO David Singleton and former Google and Meta heavyweights Hugo Barra, Ficus Kirkpatrick, and Nicholas Jitkoff.

With over $50M in seed funding, led by Index Ventures and Alphabet’s CapitalG, this ambitious start-up aims to revolutionize how we interact with technology by building a cloud-based operating system for AI agents. Think smarter assistants that don’t just answer questions but actively solve problems alongside you.

Backing this vision are industry titans like OpenAI’s co-founder Andrej Karpathy and Scale AI’s CEO Alexandr Wang. The stakes are high, but so is the potential—a future where AI isn’t just a tool but a collaborator could reshape industries and daily life.

Key Takeaways:

• 🚀 $50M funding fuels innovation: /dev/agents raised a massive seed round led by Index Ventures and Alphabet’s CapitalG, supported by AI powerhouses.

• 🧠 Reimagining software: The team is creating AI agents with new UI patterns, privacy models, and developer tools for unprecedented collaboration.

• 🌐 Game-changing leadership: Ex-Stripe CTO David Singleton joins forces with seasoned VPs from Meta and Google to tackle AI’s next frontier.

• 🤝 A collaborative future: Their vision? Computers working intelligently with humans, not just for them, transforming how we live and work.

Zain Group Taps Industry Veteran Mohammad Al-Marshed as CTO 🌍 read the full article here

Article published: November 26, 2024

Zain Group has announced the appointment of Mohammad Al-Marshed as its new Chief Technology Officer, marking a milestone in the company’s 22-year relationship with this telecom veteran. Rising through the ranks since joining Zain in 2002 as a networks engineer, Al-Marshed now takes the helm of Group Technology, bringing with him unmatched expertise in networks, ICT, and digital transformation.

Beyond his technical skills, Al-Marshed is a force for developing talent, managing global projects, and driving innovation. With an impressive educational pedigree—including programs at Harvard, Oxford, and HEC Paris—his leadership style blends technical mastery with strategic foresight.

As the telecom industry pivots toward AI-driven strategies, 5G expansion, and sustainability goals, Al-Marshed’s vision could position Zain Group as a leader in innovation and digital transformation. His leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the company’s technological evolution.

Key Takeaways:

• 🚀 A homegrown leader: Mohammad Al-Marshed’s 22-year journey from networks engineer to CTO highlights his expertise and dedication to Zain Group.

• 🌐 Global perspective: His experience spans networks, ICT, data governance, and digital transformation across diverse countries and projects.

• 📚 Leadership pedigree: Al-Marshed’s training includes programs at Harvard, Oxford, and London Business School, blending technical and strategic leadership.

• 💡 Future-forward vision: With a focus on AI, 5G, and climate change, Al-Marshed is set to guide Zain through the next wave of innovation.

CFO Alert: Holiday Cyber Threats That Could Impact Your Bottom Line 💻 read the full article here

Article published: November 21, 2024

As holiday shopping ramps up, CFOs face more than just year-end financial planning—cybercriminals are ramping up their attacks, targeting businesses with phishing scams, fake vendors, and fraudulent transactions. For finance leaders, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

“The holiday season’s spike in digital transactions is a prime opportunity for cybercriminals,” warns Jennifer Rhodes, Georgia Tech’s Chief Information Security Officer. For CFOs, this means ensuring airtight financial processes, from verifying vendor legitimacy to monitoring for fraudulent transactions.

With phishing schemes becoming increasingly sophisticated, finance leaders must spearhead efforts to educate teams, secure payments, and tighten oversight of accounts. In an era where fraud can hit both reputation and revenue, vigilance isn’t just recommended—it’s critical for protecting your bottom line.

Key Takeaways:

• 🔒 Reinforce vendor verification: CFOs must ensure all vendor payments are verified to avoid fake invoices and fraudulent supplier websites.

• 📉 Stay ahead of fraud risks: Regularly monitor accounts and flag unauthorized activity before it can snowball into larger financial losses.

• 📧 Train teams for phishing: Employees should know how to spot fraudulent emails requesting payment or sensitive financial information.

• 💳 Use credit, not debit: Push for credit card use on company holiday transactions—stronger fraud protections can safeguard accounts.

Why It Matters

Staying informed isn’t just a strategy—it’s your edge in navigating today’s fast-changing landscape.

Whether it’s leveraging AI for transformation, uncovering underrated investment opportunities, or protecting your business from emerging risks, these insights are designed to empower your leadership journey.

Here’s to staying ahead of the curve together! 🚀

Rachel Miller
Editor-in-Chief
CTO Executive Insights