AE Studio

We started in 2016 as a software development, data science, and design agency. Today, we build technology products for founders and executives, including Fortune 10 companies. Our team works on machine learning, product design, brain-computer interfaces, human agency, software development, web3, artificial intelligence, computer vision, and natural language processing.

Our studio focuses on AI-powered products for industries like Education, Healthcare & Biotech, and Transportation & Mobility. We also conduct research to make AI systems transparent, reliable, and aligned with human values, and to advance brain-computer interface technology.

Some profits from our consulting business go into internal “skunkworks” projects to incubate new ventures. Profits from these ventures then fund our internal research, especially in AI alignment. Our clients have collectively raised over $1 billion. We’ve completed more than 300 AI, data, software, and blockchain projects and contributed to over 160 publications on AI and emerging technologies.

Our mission is to increase human agency through technology. We operate with a long-term perspective, as we are bootstrapped and have no venture capital, private equity, or outside shareholders. This approach shapes our commitment to both clients and employees.

We prioritize building technology that enhances human capability and freedom. We value AI safety and alignment, believing AI systems should be safe, beneficial, and aligned with values that promote human well-being. We also foster a ‘founder-level mentality’ in all our work, treating client projects with the same care and dedication we would our own startups.

We have grown to over 150 data scientists, developers, and designers. Our team includes experienced founders, former CTOs, user-focused designers, academic PhDs, and technology consultants. Many of our research experts come from institutions like Harvard, MIT, Caltech, and Stanford. We have high hiring standards, looking for top performers who communicate and collaborate effectively. We expect team members to bring a ‘founder-level mentality,’ be adaptable, handle various responsibilities, and ensure client satisfaction.

Our work environment supports flexibility and collaboration. We offer both remote work and office spaces, with flexible schedules to suit individual productivity. Our culture promotes strong teamwork, with developers and data scientists sharing knowledge openly. Our work processes are agile and product-focused, which helps us communicate clearly and make consistent progress. We follow clean code principles like Separation of Concerns and Don’t Repeat Yourself. Our organizational structure is relatively flat.

We offer a multi-company equity plan, giving employees equity from client projects and internal “skunkworks” ventures. This is shared annually as ‘profits interest.’ This model helps diversify risk and provides continuous equity opportunities.

We organize retreats once or twice a year, which include hackathons and team activities. Employees can also become founders of internally incubated “skunkworks” projects. These projects offer founder-level equity to those who build them, plus additional equity to all AE employees.