Ben Pouladian: AI Technologist & Strategic Investor
I’m a technology entrepreneur turned investor with nearly two decades of experience in building businesses and backing innovative ventures. My journey began in engineering – I earned my degree in Electrical Engineering and in 2005 cofounded an LED lighting startup straight out of college . Over 14 years, I grew that company from an idea into a thriving business, and in 2019 I led it through a successful exit acquisition . That hands-on experience of launching and scaling a company cemented my passion for entrepreneurship and taught me what it takes to drive growth from the ground up. It also gave me a deep appreciation for product development and operations, skills I carry into my investing career. After that chapter, I transitioned fully into the world of investing and tech advisory – motivated not just by business, but by a personal mission to make an impact.
Today, I focus at the intersection of artificial intelligence and scalable business models. Whether I’m architecting an AI solution or evaluating a startup investment, I’m drawn to technologies that don’t just iterate – they fundamentally change how we work, think, and solve problems . In recent years I’ve made seed-stage investments in a range of companies, from AI-driven enterprises to digital media startups and biotech innovators, helping diverse founders turn bold ideas into reality . Some ventures I’ve been involved with include a machine-learning platform bringing efficiency to healthcare and a digital media brand that reached millions . As an investor, I love identifying those “asymmetric” opportunities (I’m a bit obsessed with asymmetry, as my friends know) where smart technology and good strategy can create outsized impact. I’m based in Los Angeles, and I’m especially passionate about the Los Angeles startup ecosystem – there is so much untapped talent and innovation here. In fact, after seeing gaps in our local tech and healthcare infrastructure, I’ve made it a mission to help build it up. I now serve on the leadership board of the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, working to advance biotech and healthcare solutions . That role, along with being a member of YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) since 2015 , allows me to support emerging businesses and connect with fellow leaders who are shaping industries. These affiliations keep me grounded in the community and constantly learning from others.
Why I Write
I started this blog to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical business strategy . The real AI revolution isn’t happening in academic isolation – it’s playing out in real companies, in day-to-day operations, and in boardrooms making strategic decisions. I write to share insights from the front lines of this revolution. Having built AI-powered products and worked in the venture capital trenches, I’ve collected plenty of hard-won lessons. My goal is to demystify AI and high-tech trends for business leaders and fellow investors in a no-nonsense, pragmatic way. If you’re a CTO curious about ROI on automation, or an investor evaluating the next AI startup, I want to offer perspective that helps you make better decisions. Every post I publish is grounded in my own experiences – the successes, the failures, and the patterns I’ve observed across dozens of projects and investments . By writing, I also continually challenge myself to stay on top of emerging trends and to articulate the “why it matters” clearly. Ultimately, I believe that sharing knowledge sparks new ideas and collaborations. If one of my articles prompts a founder to refine their business model or helps an investor see a market opportunity in a new light, then this effort is more than worth it.
On a personal note, beyond the world of business, I’m a husband and father of three (my proudest titles of all). Our family roots are here in Los Angeles. On weekends you might find me exploring LA’s diverse food scene with my wife or chasing around our kids at the park. Those little moments with family are a big part of what fuels me professionally – they remind me of the human side of every innovation and investment. I’m a big believer that technology should ultimately serve people and improve lives. This perspective grew even stronger after I lost my father and mother to cancer some years back . It was a difficult period that opened my eyes to how important innovation in healthcare and biotech can be, and how crucial community and support are during tough times. That experience is one reason I’m so driven to help build solutions (like supporting local biotech labs and startups) that might prevent others from going through the same struggles . It’s a more personal motivation that underlies much of what I do today.
In summary, I’m an engineer at heart, an investor by trade, and a passionate advocate for leveraging technology to create value. I love connecting with entrepreneurs, executives, and fellow investors who are excited about the future – whether it’s in AI, life sciences, or any field where innovation lives. Thanks for reading a bit about me. If something here resonates or if you’re working on an interesting project, feel free to reach out – I’m always up for a great conversation about what’s next.