Suggestions
Steve Schwartz
Co-founder, CTO at Genomenon Inc.
Steve Schwartz is a prominent figure in the tech and genomics sectors, known for his role as co-founder and former Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Genomenon, a company that specializes in genome interpretation software. He has a strong background in engineering and software development, having transitioned from a Mechanical/Electrical Engineering focus to founding and advising multiple startups over nearly two decades.
Professional Background
- Genomenon: Schwartz co-founded Genomenon in 2014, where he played a crucial role in developing AI-driven software aimed at aiding clinical sequencing labs in diagnosing cancer and rare diseases. The company has successfully raised over $30 million in funding and expanded to 150 employees across the US and Europe. In 2023, Genomenon was acquired by Boston Genetics.124
- Alfa Jango: He is also the founder of Alfa Jango, a company that focuses on software development and technical consulting.15
- Carcode: Prior to his work at Genomenon, Schwartz was co-founder and CTO of Carcode, which was acquired by Edmunds.com in 2014.13
Skills and Contributions
Schwartz is recognized for his expertise in building technical teams and developing innovative software solutions. He has authored open-source software that has garnered hundreds of millions of downloads. His work emphasizes the intersection of technology and healthcare, particularly in improving genomic data accessibility for researchers and clinicians.24
Current Endeavors
In addition to his roles at Genomenon and Alfa Jango, Schwartz invests in startups, advises founders, and speaks on topics related to technology startups, software development, and artificial intelligence. His contributions to the tech community include insights on navigating challenges in clinical genomics and fostering innovation within the industry.136
Steve Schwartz's career reflects a commitment to leveraging technology for significant advancements in healthcare, particularly through genomic research and precision medicine.
Highlights
Was I right with my AI startup hot take? New study indicates describing products as AI reduces trust and purchase intentions.
https://lnkd.in/etzte9WB
I've gotten so much push-back over the years when saying startups are too quick to describe their products as AI in industries where the target customer considers it undesirable. I think it's done for ego and to impress investors. Examples I've seen include products in clinical diagnosis and financial accounting. Some needs require utmost predictability, observability, and ultimately, understandability.
There are some industries and markets that benefit from AI. But that's the point. Think first. Market the benefits. I've seen some claim AI isn't a benefit, it's a feature. I'd argue it's not even a feature, it's an implementation detail, like using an object-oriented programming language or a relational database. It can imply some feature or benefit, but why not instead market the benefit directly?
Focus on the needs of the customer and industry. Describe the benefits. For customers and investors alike, remove the AI veil of opacity, by describing simply what the AI is doing.
AI startup hot take: If a startup is putting AI in their name or domain, they're more focused on the tech and hype of AI than the problem they're solving.*
When the scope of the company's technology grows beyond the AI components, and the AI hype dips, they'll be saddled with an identity focused on a single aspect of the company. I may start calling this nominative hype'rfocus, describing a company's name being both hyperfocused [on one small aspect], as well as being focused on hype. I'd be concerned the nominative hype'rfocus is indicative of a broader, myopic hype'rfocus in the company's strategy and business.
I'm also weary of using a .ai top-level domain, intended for use by another country and controlled by their government, and thus subject to changes in their commerce and politics. Heed lessons from the .ly domain. Are the incremental branding benefits of the .ai TLD worth the risks?
*If the problem the company is solving is to help others implement AI, then ignore this post.
