Up next in our blog series featuring influential women in technology is Rana el Kaliouby, an Egyptian-American scientist, entrepreneur, angel investor, author, and a thought leader in the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Her work and dedication to further the development of ethical AI practices throughout the world is inspiring as we continue to witness the evolution of these advanced technologies.
The need for increased representation of women in AI is apparent, with women only making up about 30% of the AI-related workforce. Rana el Kaliouby’s story highlights her commitment to equity and change within the tech industry, supporting the use of AI for the betterment of society as a whole.
Rana el Kaliouby’s background
Rana el Kaliouby grew up in Egypt and Kuwait, raised by a father that valued tradition as well as a mother who was one of the first female computer programmers in the Middle East. Breaking that tradition, el Kaliouby decided to move to the United States after earning her PhD to become an entrepreneur. She wrote a memoir about her journey, titled Girl Decoded, which provides a firsthand view of her personal transformation into a trailblazing woman in tech. Her mission when she decided to venture to America was to humanize technology before it dehumanizes us, which led to the founding of Affectiva.
Affectiva: Emotional intelligence in a digital world
Rana el Kaliouby is the co-founder of Affectiva, an AI company specializing in using data and machine learning to determine human emotions and behavior. The company’s Emotion AI was developed to improve emotional intelligence in a world where we connect with others through smartphones, computers, and other devices. With facial expressions and body language being crucial for proper communication, Rana el Kaliouby sought out a way to utilize AI to analyze those factors.
Affectiva’s Emotion AI was built on deep learning, computer vision, speech science and large amounts of real-world data. It has since had many applications, from market research and robotics to helping those with autism to understand certain emotions. In 2021, Affectiva was acquired by Smart Eye, a company that uses AI to track driver safety and awareness. El Kaliouby served as deputy CEO of Smart Eye until stepping down to launch Blue Tulip Ventures to invest in AI startups.
“This is where I think there’s room for being different, being unique. We have the talent, we have the dollars. We should be able to build incredible AI-first companies here. There is absolutely no reason not to.”
Blue Tulip Ventures: Investing in AI startups
Rana el Kaliouby co-founded Blue Tulip Ventures with former Affectiva and Smart Eye chief marketing officer Gabi Zijderveld. The focus of the company is human-centric AI, or “AI that’s good for people, good for the planet, is ethical, and is built with diverse teams.” El Kaliouby hopes to make a positive impact on the many industries – health, education, energy, and more – through the use of ethical and responsible AI.
El Kaliouby is aware of the many threats that AI can pose, including bias, disinformation, threats to sustainability and draining of resources. However, she still believes that AI should continue to be utilized in ways that improve lives and revolutionize industries responsibly. Through Blue Tulip Ventures, she is looking to invest in those that are implementing ethical and safe AI solutions.
“If we’re going to use AI to solve health and climate and energy and food sustainability, you need a diverse set of ideas. And that won’t come if we’re funding the same type of founders over and over again.”
Impact & recognition
Rana el Kaliouby is a strong advocate for the ethical development of AI as well as standards to ensure data privacy and to mitigate bias. She is part of industry organizations like the Partnership on AI and the World Economic Forum’s Council of Young Global Leaders where she can help implement best practices for AI ethics. As a supporter of improving equity in the industry, she is a member of the Boston Steering Committee for All Raise supporting female founders and funders.
El Kaliouby has been recognized on Fortune’s 40 Under 40 list and as one of Forbes’ Top 50 Women in Tech. Recently she has been featured in Boston Globe’s Top 50 Tech Power Players.
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