CO-FOUNDER/CEO , SYNTIANT
WHY: Started Irvine-based chipmaker Syntiant for voice-activated commands; one of the most closely watched local tech startups. Company’s chips detect voices for products such as Amazon Alexa.
IN THE NEWS: Has raised more than $120M and delivered more than 20M chip units since its launch in 2017. The firm has a track record of surpassing its investment goals in funding rounds, most recently raising $50M, up from the $30M expected.
NOTABLE: Keynote speaker at Business Journal’s 2023 Innovator of the Year Awards, a prior winner of the award.
QUOTABLE: “Orange County is God’s innovation. Innovation is the lifeblood of startups.”
