Introduction
Shivon Alice Zilis was born on February 8, 1986, in Markham, Ontario, Canada, to Sharda N., a Punjabi Indian, and Richard Zilis, a white Canadian. Her multicultural background played a significant role in shaping her inclusive worldview and innovative mindset.
Markham's Unionville High School
Shivon’s academic journey began at this esteemed institution, where she exhibited an early interest in technology and innovation. Her teachers noted her exceptional analytical skills and leadership qualities.
Yale University
Shivon graduated in 2008 with dual degrees in Economics and Philosophy. During her time at Yale, she was an active member of the Yale Debate Association, honing her skills in critical thinking and public speaking.
Internship at IBM
During her undergraduate years, Shivon interned at IBM, where she worked on artificial intelligence projects. This experience solidified her interest in AI and machine learning, laying the groundwork for her future endeavors.
IBM Watson
Post-graduation, Shivon joined the IBM Watson team. She played a pivotal role in developing cognitive computing systems, contributing to projects that would later become integral to IBM’s AI strategy.
Bloomberg Beta
In 2011, Shivon transitioned to venture capitalism, joining Bloomberg Beta as a founding member. The firm, with an initial funding of $75 million, focused on early-stage investments in technology startups. Shivon’s keen eye for innovation led to successful investments in companies like Slack and Docker.
Top 100 Most Creative People in Business
In 2015, Fast Company recognized Shivon as one of the Top 100 Most Creative People in Business. This accolade was a testament to her innovative contributions to the tech industry.
DeepMind
Shivon’s expertise in AI caught the attention of DeepMind, an AI research lab acquired by Google for $500 million in 2014. Although she didn’t join the company, she consulted on several projects, providing strategic insights.
OpenAI
In 2016, Shivon joined OpenAI as a board member. Her influence was instrumental in steering the organization towards groundbreaking research in artificial general intelligence (AGI).
Neuralink
Perhaps one of the most notable chapters in her career is her involvement with Neuralink, a neurotechnology company co-founded by Elon Musk. Shivon joined the company in 2017 as the Director of Operations and Special Projects. Her strategic vision has been crucial in advancing Neuralink’s mission to develop brain-machine interfaces.
AI and Ethics
Shivon has been a vocal advocate for ethical AI. At Neuralink, she spearheaded initiatives to ensure that the technology is developed responsibly, addressing potential societal impacts.
Philanthropy
Shivon is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She has donated over $1 million to various educational and technological causes, including scholarships for underprivileged students in Canada and AI research grants.
Mentorship
Beyond her financial contributions, Shivon actively mentors young entrepreneurs and technologists. She is a regular speaker at industry conferences and university events, sharing her knowledge and experiences.
Board Memberships
Shivon holds board positions at several influential organizations, including the Ontario AI Institute and the Women in Technology International (WITI). Her leadership has been instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion within the tech industry.
Net Worth
As of 2023, Shivon Zilis’s estimated net worth is around $50 million, accumulated through her strategic investments and executive roles in high-profile tech companies.
Venture Capital Success
Under her guidance, Bloomberg Beta’s portfolio has seen a 300% return on investment over the past decade, making it one of the most successful early-stage investment firms.
Neuralink’s Valuation
Neuralink, co-led by Shivon, has achieved a valuation of over $2 billion. Her operational efficiency and strategic foresight have been key drivers of this impressive growth.
Public Speaking and Consultancy
Shivon commands speaking fees upwards of $50,000 per engagement, reflecting her status as a thought leader in AI and technology. She also consults for Fortune 500 companies, providing expertise on AI strategy and implementation.
AI for Good
Shivon is currently working on a new initiative, AI for Good, aimed at leveraging artificial intelligence to address global challenges such as climate change and healthcare.
Authoring a Book
Shivon is in the process of writing a book on the ethical implications of AI, set to be published by Penguin Random House in 2024. The book is expected to provide deep insights into the future of AI and its impact on society.
Global Influence
Recognized as one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders, Shivon continues to influence global policy on technology and innovation.
Shivon Zilis’s journey from a small town in Ontario to the forefront of AI and technology is a testament to her brilliance, vision, and dedication. Her contributions have not only shaped the tech industry but also paved the way for future generations of innovators.
