Jeremiah Owyang: A Silicon Valley Visionary Shaping the Future of AI, VC, and Business

Jeremiah Owyang speaking on stage at an event. 

Jeremiah Owyang stands at the forefront of technological innovation, embodying the spirit of Silicon Valley entrepreneurship and forward-thinking leadership. With a career spanning over two decades, Owyang has established himself as a pivotal figure in the realms of artificial intelligence, venture capital, social media, and digital transformation.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Owyang's journey in the tech world began in the late 1990s during the dot-com boom. After earning his Marketing bachelor's degree from San Francisco State University, he quickly made his mark as a user experience professional at Exodus Communications. His early roles, including serving as the Intranet Architect at World Savings (now Wells Fargo), laid the groundwork for his understanding of how technology intersects with business needs.

In November 2003, Owyang joined Hitachi Data Systems as Manager of Global Web Marketing, a position he held for three years. This role significantly expanded his expertise in digital marketing strategies on a global scale.

Pioneer in Social Media and Digital Strategy

Owyang's career took a significant turn when he joined Forrester Research as a Senior Analyst focused on Social Computing from October 2007 to September 2009. During this time, he solidified his reputation as a thought leader in the emerging field of social media strategy.

His insights into how corporations can leverage web technologies to connect with customers gained widespread recognition. His blog, "Web Strategy," has been rated by Edelman as the top Analyst Blog since 2008, cementing his status as a go-to voice in digital strategy.

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Innovation

In August 2009, Owyang co-founded Altimeter Group, a technology research firm that quickly gained prominence in the industry. As a Founding Partner and Industry Analyst, he contributed significantly to the firm's success over the next four years.

Building on this success, he founded Crowd Companies in 2013, an innovation council that bridges the gap between tech startups and large corporations. From October 2017 to March 2022, Owyang served as a Founding Partner at Kaleido Insights, further expanding his influence in tech research and strategy.

His latest venture, as General Partner at Blitzscaling Ventures since May 2023, sees Owyang leading investments in early-stage AI startups. His keen eye for identifying companies with rapid scale potential and the ability to achieve enduring market leadership has resulted in a positive track record of exits since he began angel investing in 2017.

AI Advocacy and the Llama Lounge

Recognizing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, Owyang has positioned himself at the epicenter of the AI revolution. Since May 2023, he has been organizing the "Llama Lounge: AI Startup Event Series," a popular gathering in the San Francisco Bay Area. A typical event features ten AI startups and attracts over 300 AI founders and 50 VCs. The series has partnered with industry giants like Microsoft, TechCrunch Disrupt, GenLab, SAP, CapGemini, and Canopy.

Global Influence and Thought Leadership

As a professional speaker since January 2010, Owyang travels the globe, presenting at conferences on the impact of technology on business. His talks offer strategic insights, helping companies navigate and leverage technological trends. He delivers keynotes on AI for Business & Humanity, both in-person at business events and remotely from his unique Tiny Airstream Studios in Silicon Valley.

Owyang's expertise is regularly sought by prestigious publications. He contributed to The Wall Street Journal as a writer for the WSJ Accelerators Blog from April 2014 to May 2015. His insights have been featured in The New York Times, USA Today, Wired, TechCrunch, and Reuters.

Diverse Roles and Investments

Owyang's influence extends beyond speaking and writing. He has been an active startup investor, LP, and advisor since January 2017. His portfolio includes companies like Octane AI, Animoca, Mnemonic, OliveX, Farmstead, and Automattic. He's also an LP in funds like Superlayer.

From February 2022 to May 2023, Owyang served as the Chief Marketing Officer for RLY Network Association, further diversifying his experience in the tech industry.

Personal Life and Unique Work Environment

Beyond his professional achievements, Owyang is known for his unique work setup – a backyard Airstream trailer featured in USA Today, which serves as his studio for speaking engagements. This innovative approach to his workspace reflects his forward-thinking mindset and adaptability.

Owyang balances his professional life with personal passions. He is a devoted family man, a CrossFit enthusiast who has completed over a dozen obstacle course races (including the Spartan Trifecta), and a former professional jazz musician.

Conclusion

Jeremiah Owyang's career is a testament to the power of foresight, adaptability, and continuous learning in the fast-paced world of technology. From his early days in user experience to his current roles as a venture capitalist, event organizer, and AI advocate, Owyang has consistently been at the cutting edge of digital transformation. His ability to identify and nurture emerging trends, coupled with his talent for articulating their business implications, makes him an indispensable guide for companies navigating the complex landscape of modern technology.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, Owyang's insights and leadership will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of business and technology. His journey exemplifies the innovative spirit of Silicon Valley and serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and technologists around the world.

If you're interested in booking Jeremiah Owyang as a speaker for your event, you can do so through Speak About AI. For more information about Jeremiah Owyang, his speaking topics, and videos of past talks are on his page. If you're interested in booking him, contact us directly.