AI Squared, a leading AI technology platform provider that empowers businesses to integrate AI-generated insights into their applications, has announced the appointment of Darren Kimura as President and Chief Operating Officer. This strategic move follows AI Squared’s oversubscribed Series A funding round in April 2024, led by Ansa Capital and NEA, aimed at enhancing product innovation, expanding market reach, and scaling operations.
Darren Kimura’s Leadership Experience
Darren Kimura brings extensive experience to AI Squared, having previously served as President and COO of ZEDEDA, a cutting-edge computing software provider based in San Jose, CA. Under Kimura’s leadership, ZEDEDA achieved remarkable milestones, including successful Series B and Series C financings and over 1000% growth in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR), with deployments of edge nodes in over 100 countries. His focus on people, culture, and customer experience positioned ZEDEDA as an industry leader, driving exponential value creation.
Before his role at ZEDEDA, Kimura held key positions such as Partner at Sway Ventures, where he guided early-stage investments, and CEO at LiveAction, which was acquired by Insight Partners. He has also led Solar Power Technology and Energy Industries, achieving significant growth and successful exits across various sectors. Kimura is a graduate of the University of Hawaii and an alum of the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Strategic Vision for AI Squared
“We are thrilled to welcome Darren to AI Squared,” said Benjamin Harvey, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of AI Squared. “His wealth of experience and proven track record of driving innovation and growth will be transformative as we tackle the last mile problem of AI and make advanced technologies accessible to all organizations.”
Founded in 2021, AI Squared is committed to fostering widespread AI adoption by embedding AI-generated insights into mission-critical business applications and everyday workflows. This commitment makes AI transformative for industries worldwide.
“I am excited to join AI Squared as the new President and Chief Operating Officer,” said Kimura. “AI Squared is at the forefront of AI innovation, and I am eager to contribute to its mission of making AI both accessible and impactful for organizations across industries.”
Future Growth and Industry Impact
Under Kimura’s leadership, AI Squared aims to solidify its position as a leader in AI integration, expand its partner ecosystem, and bring AI technologies into mainstream business workflows across various sectors.
“Darren brings a wealth of experience in growing high-growth organizations, having successfully led multiple companies through significant expansion phases,” said Allan Jean-Baptiste, General Partner at Ansa. “His expertise in operational excellence and strategic growth will be instrumental as we extend our reach and impact.”
“Darren’s visionary leadership will be key as AI Squared pushes the boundaries of AI and innovation,” added Greg Papadopoulos, Ph.D., Venture Partner at NEA. “We believe he will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission and achieving new milestones for AI Squared.”
In May 2024, AI Squared acquired Multiwoven, the leading open-source Reverse ETL (rETL) company, and established partnerships with prominent industry players, including Databricks, Microsoft, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, and the National Security Agency.
