Top AI Founders To Watch in 2025
Presented by Forbes Technology Council in collaboration with Senior Executive Media, this Top 33 AI Founders to Watch list highlights visionary founders in artificial intelligence who are leading the way in digital innovation and transforming industries through AI-driven solutions. These founders are shaping the future of AI with pioneering advancements and cutting-edge technology strategies.
See The ListPresented by Forbes Technology Council in collaboration with Senior Executive Media, this Top AI Founders to Watch in 2025 list highlights 33 AI Founders who are pioneering advancements in artificial intelligence and transforming industries with innovative solutions. These entrepreneurs are not only shaping the future of AI but also redefining how businesses leverage data, computer and network security, and machine learning to drive growth.
Strong leadership and technical expertise are critical in a rapidly evolving AI landscape. The founders on this list are trailblazers in areas like computer hardware, medical equipment manufacturing, financial services, and software development. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI research and developing transformative solutions that give their companies a competitive edge marks them as critical visionaries in their fields.
From disruptive startups to high-growth enterprises, these AI leaders are tackling complex industry challenges and fueling progress in sectors from healthcare and finance to e-commerce and logistics. Many of these founders have also recently secured significant funding, demonstrating investor confidence in their ideas and the value their companies bring to the market.
As a publisher focused on spotlighting leaders who drive innovation, Senior Executive Media curates exclusive lists to recognize those who exemplify leadership in technology, foster connections within the industry, and reveal emerging trends reshaping the landscape.
Forbes Technology Council is a vetted professional organization for senior-level technology founders. Its members include some of the most accomplished executives nationwide. Members are chosen for their demonstrated expertise, influence, and commitment to advancing technology—qualities embodied by the individuals on this list.
To suggest an update to the information on this list or recommend an AI founder making strides in the industry, please contact Senior Executive Media’s editorial team here.
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Top AI Founders To Watch in 2025
Josh DeFonzo, Co-founder and CEO of Mendaera, drives the vision for a company in the Manufacturing of medical equipment industry. Based in San Mateo, California, the company employs 11- 50 people and continues to thrive under their leadership.
- Mendaera
- Co-founder and CEO
- Manufacturing of medical equipment
- 11- 50
Rana el Kaliouby holds the role of Co-founder & CEO at Affectiva, a company with 201-500 employees in the Software, Artificial Intelligence sector. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, the company is recognized for its impactful work.
- Affectiva
- Co-founder & CEO
- Software, Artificial Intelligence
- 201-500
Parker Gilbert, Co-founder and CEO of Numeric, drives the vision for a company in the Software development industry. Based in San Francisco, California, the company employs 11- 50 people and continues to thrive under their leadership.
- Numeric
- Co-founder and CEO
- Software development
- 11- 50
Nabil Jallouli holds the role of Co-founder and CEO at Rollstack, a company with 11- 50 employees in the Software development sector. Headquartered in New York, New York, United States, the company is recognized for its impactful work.
- Rollstack
- Co-founder and CEO
- Software development
- 11- 50
With 51-200 employees, conectly AI stands out in the Technology, Information and Internet industry. Stefanos Loukakos leads as Co-founder & CEO, contributing to the company’s success from their office in San Francisco, California.
- conectly AI
- Co-founder & CEO
- Technology, Information and Internet
- 51-200
Toshit Panigrahi, Co-founder and CEO of TollBit, drives the vision for a company in the Technology, information and media industry. Based in New York, New York, the company employs 1- 10 people and continues to thrive under their leadership.
- TollBit
- Co-founder and CEO
- Technology, information and media
- 1- 10
Niken Patel, Co-founder and CEO of Neuron7.ai, drives the vision for a company in the Information technology & services industry. Based in San Jose, California, the company employs 51- 200 people and continues to thrive under their leadership.
- Neuron7.ai
- Co-founder and CEO
- Information technology & services
- 51- 200
