Current Position and Responsibilities
Ari Kalfayan is the Director of Sales and Business Development at Lambda. In this role, he oversees initiatives aimed at the growth and market expansion of early-stage AI and machine learning startups, contributing significantly to Lambda's strategic business objectives. His position enables him to work closely with startups to foster innovation and corporate partnerships.
Professional Background and Achievements
Ari previously held the role of Senior Business Development Manager at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he utilized his expertise to support machine learning and AI startups. His involvement with AWS was pivotal in fostering relationships with underrepresented groups within the business community and was instrumental in reshaping support strategies through partnerships with organizations like StartOut.
Ari's entrepreneurial journey is notable for his founding role at Weights & Biases, a company that has grown to a valuation of $1 billion over four years. His efforts in growing Dolores Labs to reach a revenue milestone of $1 million in its first year reflect his deep understanding of market strategies and startup ecosystems.
Mentorship and Advocacy
Ari is deeply involved in mentorship, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, through his association with StartOut, an organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. His mentorship activities focus on business development and growth strategies that help emerging entrepreneurs succeed. Ari emphasizes equality and authenticity in business, advocating for a culture of equity and inclusion.
Additional Contributions
Apart from his business endeavors, Ari is an accomplished community leader and artist. His contributions extend to launching impactful community organizations and internationally recognized social art projects, such as those showcased at Burning Man. His passion for building purpose-driven businesses is complemented by his commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
Ari Kalfayan's diverse skill set and leadership in AI and business development make him a formidable figure in the technology startup landscape, characterized by his dedication to innovation, mentorship, and community engagement.
