Company values
Meet the Team Behind AI Forge
At AI Forge, our mission is to transform ambitious AI startups into industry disruptors through rigorous challenges and elite connections. Our team comprises seasoned entrepreneurs, AI experts, and industry leaders who are passionate about pushing boundaries and forging the next generation of AI leaders.
- Founded
- 2023
- Employees
- 25
- Countries
- 3
- Founder Exits
- 13
Who We Are
We're a team of serial entrepreneurs driven to create real-world value through AI innovation. Our incubator, AI Forge, rapidly launches bold ideas and provides comprehensive support to startups, including world-class mentorship, funding, and resources. Our goal is to revolutionize the AI industry by empowering startups to develop game-changing solutions that tackle real-world challenges.
The London Team
Our London team is thrilled to be part of the dynamic tech ecosystem in the city, which is home to major industry leaders like Google, Amazon, and Facebook. With over £7.2 billion in venture capital invested in London startups in 2022 alone, the city is rapidly emerging as a hub for technology and innovation. Our presence in the UK capital not only bolsters our global expansion plans but also grants us convenient access to the thriving European AI market.
Our team is dedicated to harnessing the favourable business environment and innovation-driven government in London to support entrepreneurs and startups in the region. We specialize in AI and machine learning, and are committed to providing our clients with powerful financial models to help them achieve success. With top universities nearby, a vibrant tech scene, and a collaborative community, London is the ideal location for our team to continue fostering innovation and growth in the AI industry.
Craig Massey
Global CEO & Co-Founder
Craig Massey is an accomplished entrepreneur and the founder of AI Forge, where he helps startups build successful AI-based businesses. With experience launching nine startups, including five successful B2B SaaS platforms, Craig's most recent venture was a Blockchain Incubator that accounted for 24% of all UK blockchain investments in 2022. Prior to starting his own companies in the 90s, he held positions at major corporations like Polycell, Redland, and StenaLine.
Expertise : Entrepreneurship, B2B SaaS Development, Blockchain Innovation
Passion : Providing tough love to founders to unlock their highest potential
Kevin Jackson
Chairman & Co-Founder
With a career rooted in communication and business development, Kevin has held pivotal roles at renowned agencies like Saatchi Group, Grey Worldwide, Jack Morton Worldwide, and George P. Johnson. Known for his energetic, quick-thinking approach, Kevin has empowered both startups and corporations to achieve growth through personal and business development. He’s a seasoned international speaker, engaging audiences worldwide on the transformative potential of AI in today’s market.
Expertise : Global Strategy, Brand Positioning, Industry Networking
Passion : Connecting ambitious founders with opportunities to disrupt the AI landscape.
Robin Gounder
Global CTO & Co-Founder
Robin empowers founders to transform ideas into pioneering AI solutions. As an award-winning expert in AI and blockchain, Robin founded Vaionex, a software company now valued at approximately $30 million. With deep expertise in AI technology, blockchain innovation, and product development, he leads Proof of Concept development for startups worldwide.
Expertise : AI Technology, Blockchain Innovation, Product Development
Passion : Pushing technical boundaries helps founders turn visionary concepts into impactful, market-ready products.
Miguel Diaz
Global Programme Director & Co-Founder
Miguel is a resourceful professional adept at swiftly interpreting information to develop strategic plans, implement processes, and make confident decisions. With extensive management consulting experience across Europe and the U.S., he specialises in project management, Agile IT development, logistics, operations, and marketing. Beyond his titles, Miguel is a dedicated problem-solver who drives change and empowers teams to achieve tangible results. At his core, he is a mentor and mediator, always ready to support and lead his team toward success.
Expertise : Programme Management, Operations Scaling, Healthcare Transformation
Passion : Crafting transformative journeys that challenge founders to excel.
Steve Scruton
Chief Financial Officer
Steven is a venture consultant and investor with a background in mathematics, economics, and corporate governance. With 17 years of experience in financial analysis and strategic planning in the City, including as Head of Research, he is skilled at guiding ventures through complex growth phases. Known for his expertise in management accounting and industry insights, Steven has helped numerous founders achieve success through strategic guidance and financial acumen.
Expertise : Financial Strategy, Venture Capital, Corporate Governance
Passion : Challenging startups to build robust financial models and achieve financial excellence.
Tim Seears
Entrepreneur in Residence
Tim brings his expertise as an entrepreneur and angel investor focused on mission-driven founders. Passionate about tackling global challenges like climate change, Tim actively invests in innovative companies across climate-tech, energy-tech, agtech, transport-tech, spacetech, AI, renewable energy, and the circular economy.
Expertise : Hands-on approach empowers startups aiming to create a sustainable impact.
Passion : Offering invaluable insights to founders working to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Mark Young
Outreach Manager
With over 30 years in tech, training, and media, Mark is committed to empowering businesses through AI innovation and transformative training. At AI Forge, he specialises in creating tailored AI training programs for founders, coaches, and consultants, making AI accessible and actionable.
Expertise : Helping teams simplify AI to automate processes, enhance client engagement, and build scalable content strategies that drive growth.
Passion : An avid VR enthusiast - always up for a game of VR table tennis!
Zeenat Motegheria
Head of Events Marketing
Zee combines creativity with a strategic focus to drive business growth. With over 10 years of experience in event planning, community building, and content creation, she has a gift for creating memorable global events and fostering dynamic networks, especially within tech and startups. Known for her innovative, engaging marketing strategies (and the occasional viral moment!), Zeenat is passionate about collaborating with like-minded innovators to make an impact and create extraordinary experiences.
Expertise : Event Management, Digital Marketing, Strategic Partnerships
Passion : Pushing startups to expand their networks and building meaningful connections.
Cassio Dal Cortivo
Head of Programme
Cassio is a multi-disciplinary entrepreneur with a diverse background in technology, marketing, and education. With experience launching and managing ventures in both Latin America and London, he is passionate about edtech and its transformative potential for learning.
Expertise : Leveraging emerging technologies—including AI, virtual reality, and blockchain.
Passion : Bringing innovative perspectives to tech startups.
Tom Griffiths
Program Manager
Helping guide AI founders through the challenges of early-stage growth, leveraging hands-on mentorship, tailored workshops, and strategic insights to help startups build impactful, scalable businesses.
Expertise : Community Building, Program Management
Passion : Empowering startups through their 12-week journey every step of the way
Gregory Dean
Investment Director
Leveraging his expertise in fundraising and startup scaling to empower founders in the AI space. With a track record of raising over £300 million from Seed to Series A and scaling Cera to unicorn status and £200m+ revenue, Greg excels in fundraising strategy, investor relations, and growth acceleration.
Expertise : Helping founders navigate challenges to secure essential funding and drive success.
Passion : Connecting founders with elite investors and guiding them through rigorous fundraising challenges.
Ethan Wang
Design Director
With experience leading design for five cohorts at the Block Dojo incubator, Ethan specialises in UX/UI design for B2B SaaS platforms, focusing on user experience, interface design, and product branding. Passionate about crafting intuitive, high-engagement designs, Ethan helps startups elevate user experience, making their products more accessible, attractive, and effective in driving growth.
Expertise : User Experience, Interface Design, Product Branding
Passion : Crafting intuitive designs that push startups to elevate their user engagement.
“The eureka moment for me in the programme was when I got deep into the financial modeling. I've always been fine at pitching, and always had a deep passion for my subject matter, but understanding how to turn it into a business only really came to light when I got through many two hour spells trying to make my model match what I envisaged in growing my business.”
Richard LewisBrainMan VR“Hi Craig I just wanted to wish you every success and joy working on your new AI Incubator project 🔥♥️ I am eternally grateful and thankful for the work you have done with creating the Dojo. It’s shows something great about your character that you thrive in building incubators because you enjoy building up ambitious new start-ups wanting to influence great change. You have a very generous nature and I wanted you to know that your inspiring leadership has not gone unnoticed and I feel you are one of the greatest businessmen I have met.”
Laura Igwe OdiiCEO of Kurero
“Working with Craig has been an honor. As an experienced entrepreneur, he's been an invaluable mentor to our team. His incubator program and Robin's team provided expert guidance for our innovative Metaverse company. Lunique.io has greatly benefited from his talent for fostering startups.”
Annie SiaraCEO of Lunique.io
“Patrick is a consummate professional. Passionate, but level-headed and very good at conveying a message clearly and concisely.”
Kurt Wuckert Jr.CEO of Gorilla Pool
“Robin is a tech genius with expertise in AI and blockchain. He knows how to build startups cheaply and efficiently, which is a valuable skill in the fast-paced world of tech. With Robin on your team, you can be sure that your company will be at the cutting edge of technology. His knowledge and experience in these fields make him an invaluable asset to any startup looking to make a name for itself.”
Michal ScislowskiCEO of Soundoshi
“Craig is a firework and his ability to break down the business into smaller financial pieces was remarkable, and he helped us understand the financial implications of our business model.”
Ole Andre KnutliCEO of Coinsurvey
“Craig is an experienced and energetic founder. His previous accelerator programme was pivotal to my success; from spending a whole day with me to build my financial model and investing personally in my company. With the advent of ChatGPT I think AI is the future of companies so I wholly support Craig in setting up the accelerator programme and encouraging early-stage start ups to succeed.”
Hannah NicholsonCEO of MoveGenius
“Craig and Robin make an A team. Their combination of finance, business and technology is key to helping businesses to succeed. The energy, business knowledge and experience, combined with top tech skills. Unbeatable!”
Borja BurguillosCEO of 5tars
“The team (Robin & Craig) building this program bring a wealth of practical industry experience, combined with real strategic and technical thinking. Between the financial support we were provided, and the capability to help our in-house development to build an MVP, we were ecstatic with the support we received. Highly recommend them!”
Tim MalikCEO of Combat IQ
“Joining AI forge is the best thing that could have happened for my business, its truly like doing an MBA in 12 week. I’ve learned more during this time than I have in the last 10 years working in business.”
Antonella CossuFilmTailor“The thing I love about AI Forge is in comparison to other incubators is the care, the personal care that they apply to you and your business. At the end of the day it is a business, but they truly care about founders succeeding, putting time and effort out of their personal lives to ensure we succeed.”
George WestbrookGenie-iQ“The eureka moment for me in the programme was when I got deep into the financial modeling. I've always been fine at pitching, and always had a deep passion for my subject matter, but understanding how to turn it into a business only really came to light when I got through many two hour spells trying to make my model match what I envisaged in growing my business.”
Richard LewisBrainMan VR“Hi Craig I just wanted to wish you every success and joy working on your new AI Incubator project 🔥♥️ I am eternally grateful and thankful for the work you have done with creating the Dojo. It’s shows something great about your character that you thrive in building incubators because you enjoy building up ambitious new start-ups wanting to influence great change. You have a very generous nature and I wanted you to know that your inspiring leadership has not gone unnoticed and I feel you are one of the greatest businessmen I have met.”
Laura Igwe OdiiCEO of Kurero
Join Us
Our team is committed to forging the next generation of AI leaders. If you're ready to embrace rigorous challenges and leverage elite connections, AI Forge is where your transformation begins.
Have questions or want to learn more about our team?