Why I Started Eliza

My journey has never been about taking the easy path. I’ve always been drawn to the frontier to the places where technology is still being defined. Whether it was launching one of the first social media intelligence platforms, building feature stores before they were common, advocating for open-source models, or developing small language models — I’ve always found purpose in pushing what’s possible and creating value for others through innovation.

After exiting Arcee, I found myself at a crossroads. I spent the summer reflecting — looking at where real opportunities existed, and where markets weren’t constantly shifting beneath our feet. One thing became clear: while AI is reshaping the world, the way many companies and people are being served by AI solutions just isn’t working. That realization led to Eliza.

Eliza was built with two clear goals:

1. Helping people.

Step outside of places like San Francisco or other tech hubs, and you see how much of the world hasn’t been brought along in this AI revolution. A billion people have tried ChatGPT, but most only use it for simple tasks like rewriting emails. There’s so much more potential — to save time, to build new ideas, to create opportunities. We want to help people truly understand and use AI in ways that improve their work and their lives.

2. Helping businesses.

Many companies were built long before AI was part of the equation. Their systems and data structures were designed for another era. Now they’re waking up to a world that’s changing faster than ever, one where processes can be reimagined with less human friction and more efficiency. Yet, the current AI services market isn’t meeting their needs. Too often, businesses are sold bloated, overpriced “AI transformations” that overpromise and underdeliver. What they really need are practical, outcome-focused solutions that integrate seamlessly into their existing operations.

Time in this new AI era is moving fast. What used to take years now happens in weeks. Eliza was created to help people and organizations move with that speed — with clarity, trust, and expertise.

Our team is made up of builders who’ve spent years creating the underlying technology that powers many modern businesses. We believe AI, when thoughtfully integrated, shouldn’t be an added layer of complexity, it should simplify, strengthen, and accelerate what’s already working.
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Eliza launches with two key offerings:

• Fusion – our ChatGPT enablement and development platform designed to help teams become confident, capable AI users.
• Forge – applied AI and software development solutions tailored to each client’s needs, focused on measurable business impact, not hype.

What excites me most about Eliza isn’t just the mission it’s the people. I’ve known Stephen for years and have long respected his ability to build enduring, successful ventures like Caylent, phData, and Onica each a model of focus and execution. Bringing in Tom Ray to lead Europe along with FDEs Scott Gay and Basil Chatha, gives us a foundation of deep experience and shared vision. With a strategic partner network of more than 100 skilled professionals who’ve been working in AI deployment for years, we’re ready to deliver real transformation from day one.

We’re already working with our first clients, organizations that are serious about using AI to evolve their people, processes, and potential.

2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for Eliza. I’m grateful for the people who have joined me on this path and excited to keep building what’s next, thoughtfully and deliberately.