DataShapesAI is a tech company that designs and delivers next-generation hardware-agnostic AI technology solving one of the world's most urgent problems; situational awareness in the radio spectrum everywhere that it is needed, on the sea, in space and on land. Their culture of innovation leads the mission of the company to bring data-driven solutions both to government and commercial customers.
Jon Myers, a former Wall Street executive, made a life-altering decision in the late 1990s that set the stage for his remarkable journey in the tech world. Disillusioned with the financial sector, he recognized that his work wasn't contributing to the betterment of people's lives or the environment. This realization drove him to pivot his career and move to the Bay Area, where he embarked on a new path in technology. His belief that tech could improve lives and reduce environmental impact fueled his passion for founding companies in deep tech fields.
Over the years, Myers has founded and led companies in various sectors, from early SaaS, analytics, automation, networking, clean mining, engineered carbon nano-materials, and AI. His approach has been to establish a company, build a team, and create what he terms "good inertial momentum" before moving on to his next venture. Myers is currently the visionary behind DataShapesAI, where he transitioned from CEO to Executive Chairman. In this role, he has been instrumental in leading technology invention, market discovery, early market penetration, and applications development. He emphasizes the importance of culture, recruiting passionate individuals, securing capital, and establishing governance in his companies. "If I am doing this right, my role diminishes as the team builds, and this has happened and continues to happen," says Myers.
When asked about his leadership style, Myers describes it as "inspirational and collaborative." His strength lies in understanding and inventing deep technology, identifying commercial opportunities, and executing go-to-market strategies. This combination of technical acumen and business insight has been the foundation of his success in leading tech startups.
Myers' journey has been shaped by unique experiences, including growing up in a house with a ghost, “George”. This experience opened his mind to the idea that there is more to the universe than our perceptions and culturally endowed beliefs. It instilled in him the belief that more is possible than our limited minds allow us to imagine. However, he also learned that just because more is possible doesn't mean things happen quickly or predictably. Myers likens entrepreneurship to a dance between the pragmatic, rational world of limitations and the imagined world of possibility. "You have to be willing to live in that highly uncertain state – to be patient, to listen to the music, and to trust that you will find a way," he reflects.
Myers' contributions to the tech industry are far from conventional. He describes deep tech invention and go-to-market strategies as a "black hat" art, challenging orthodox thinking. His company, DataShapesAI, exemplifies this approach. The company identified a need for serverless, low-resource, embeddable waveform AI, while traditional thinkers were building server-dependent, high-resource-demanding neural nets. Instead, DataShapesAI developed a new form of AI, a hybrid of neural nets and vector-based machine learning. This innovative approach addresses the growing demand for waveform AI that is serverless, hyper-efficient, and effective.
Innovation at DataShapesAI is driven by iteration, a willingness to change, faith, good listening, exceptional communication, and persistence. Myers emphasizes the importance of these qualities in creating products and solutions that resonate with the target audience. His approach to innovation is rooted in the belief that constant adaptation and resilience are key to success in the tech industry.
Throughout his journey, Myers has faced numerous challenges, many of which were personal. He candidly admits that his biggest challenges were his own fears—fear of annihilation, rejection, impatience, and arrogance. These are challenges that many entrepreneurs face, but Myers' ability to recognize and confront them has been a vital part of his success.
Myers believes that passion, communication skills, good listening abilities, a willingness to change, and the ability to empower others are essential attributes for any successful technology executive or leader. He highlights the importance of trusting and empowering others, even when there are doubts. "A willingness to empower others (even when you have doubts they are ready – you are probably wrong)," he advises.
“Entrepreneurship is a dance between the pragmatic, rational materialist world of limitations and the imagined world of possibility.”
Looking ahead, Myers envisions a future where a renaissance in deep tech will address some of the most pressing concerns for our earth, environment, and well-being. He believes that we are less than a decade away from this transformation, and he is proud to have contributed to efforts that will shape this future. His unique understanding of deep, not well-known technical efforts positions him as a forward-thinking leader in the industry.
In conclusion, Jon Myers' journey from Wall Street to deep tech is a testament to his visionary leadership, innovative mindset, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world. His ability to challenge orthodox thinking and drive meaningful change in the tech industry makes him a standout figure in the field. As he continues to lead and inspire, Myers' contributions to deep tech will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.