In the fast-evolving landscape of technology and innovation, few stories resonate as strongly as those of visionary entrepreneurs shaping the future. In our latest interview feature, we delve into the inspiring journey of Salman Toor and Andreas Hellander, co-founders of Scaleout, a pioneering company in the realm of federated machine learning.
Both leaders, with rich backgrounds in academia and distributed systems, have seamlessly transitioned their expertise from theoretical research to impactful entrepreneurship. During their candid conversation with Matthew at the Bright Founders Talk hosted by Temy, they shared their early academic collaborations and the serendipitous moment that led to the inception of Scaleout. Their narrative not only highlights the importance of privacy in machine learning but also underscores the value of early, strategic industry collaborations.
As they navigate the complexities of deep tech and AI, their focus remains on addressing real-world data privacy challenges, proving that profound technical knowledge combined with a visionary approach can redefine industries. Join us as we explore how these seasoned academicians turned industry innovators are crafting the future of secure, scalable machine learning solutions.
From Academia to Innovation: The Founders' Journey of Bringing Privacy to Machine Learning
Salman and Andreas, with their roots deep in academic research, shared the intriguing backstory of their transition from university halls to the helm of Scaleout. Their journey is not just a tale of innovation but also of serendipity and collaboration. Meeting as PhD students at Uppsala University, their separate paths through academic and post-doctoral pursuits abroad brought them back together with a shared realization: the need to integrate large-scale distributed systems into modern education. Their initial collaborations on educational programs laid the foundation for future ventures.
The duo's narrative took an exciting turn as they delved into the genesis of Scaleout. It was their shared enthusiasm for federated machine learning and its potential to enhance data privacy that sparked the idea to turn their research into a viable business. "We got super excited about bringing more privacy to machine learning," Andreas recounted, highlighting their shift from academic theory to entrepreneurial action. This excitement was not just about technology but also about its ethical implications—a key driving force behind their startup.
We got super excited about bringing more privacy to machine learning
What makes their story particularly compelling is their strategic approach to transforming their deep-tech expertise into a thriving enterprise. From the outset, Salman and Andreas focused on cultivating strong industry relationships, recognizing that early collaborations could accelerate their growth. They navigated the nascent market of AI and machine learning with a clear vision, gradually evolving their research into products that address real-world privacy challenges. As Salman succinctly put it, "We started to realize that while being in a distributed computing environment, privacy and security are very important components." This blend of technical acumen and strategic foresight is what sets their journey apart.
Pioneering Privacy: The Challenging Path to Investor Confidence in Federated Machine Learning
Navigating the complexities of the venture capital landscape with a cutting-edge technology like federated machine learning can be daunting. Yet, for Salman and Andreas, the co-founders of Scaleout, the journey has been marked by strategic positioning and patient relationship-building. "We found individuals that get it; they see the long-term business opportunity," Salman explained, highlighting the initial challenge of explaining their technology's intricate details to potential investors. This resonates as a testament to their commitment to not just innovating but also effectively communicating the importance of privacy in today's digital age.
Their approach to securing investment was methodical and rooted in their deep understanding of the market's evolving needs. As regulations tightened globally, the relevance of their solution became apparent, drawing interest from stakeholders who valued privacy and security. The founders capitalized on this by engaging in proof-of-concept projects and R&D collaborations, which not only demonstrated their technology's potential but also its practical applications in various industries. Andreas noted, "It's growing, and that's going to take a bit of time," reflecting a realistic optimism about their progress and the gradual acceptance of their ideas in the market.
The duo's academic backgrounds have played a crucial role in keeping their venture both relevant and innovative. By actively participating in research projects and seeking funding opportunities, they've managed to stay at the forefront of technological advancements. This ongoing commitment to research and development within their company ensures that Scaleout remains adaptable and forward-thinking. As Salman puts it, "We leverage our R&D skills as a useful tool," underscoring the strategic use of their academic expertise to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation in their team.
The Learning Curve: From Lecture Halls to Venture Pitches
The shift from academia to the bustling world of startups has been both a revelation and a robust learning process for Salman and Andreas, the brains behind Scaleout. The co-founders, who have transitioned from university professors to tech entrepreneurs, candidly shared the surprising aspects of their journey. "I was a bit naive, thinking it would be easier to combine academic and business roles," Andreas mused, reflecting on the initial challenges of adapting to the relentless pace and diverse demands of startup culture. This confession highlights the raw, often unspoken reality of entrepreneurship—the need to continually evolve and sometimes, leave behind cherished identities for new roles.
Salman's experience echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the distinct differences between academic presentations and business pitches. "Giving a lecture and pitching an idea is a very different thing," he noted, pinpointing a critical skill he had to master. This realization underscores a broader theme in their narrative: the ongoing requirement to refine communication styles, build trust with potential partners, and persuasively present complex technologies to a varied audience. Their journey illustrates not just a change in professions but a profound personal growth and adaptation.
Beyond the technical challenges, both founders expressed a newfound respect for the intricacies of enterprise sales—a field they initially underestimated. Andreas's candid admission, "I deeply respect people that are strong in enterprise sales," reveals a humility and openness to learning from others, traits that have undoubtedly contributed to their gradual success. This part of their story serves as a valuable lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs: the path to success is paved with continuous learning, humility, and the willingness to adapt to unforeseen challenges and roles.
Cultivating Grit and Ingenuity: How Scaleout's Founders Pick Their Team for Success
Andreas recently rounded out his team with three new hires, stressing the importance of resilience and a 'can-do' attitude above all. "We look for doers—people willing to learn and dig in whenever necessary," he shared. This approach goes beyond mere technical skills, focusing instead on the character and adaptability of potential team members. For a startup navigating the unpredictable waters of technology and market demands, these personal qualities are invaluable. This philosophy stems from Andreas's academic background, where years of grappling with uncertainty in research projects proved to be the perfect training ground for the kind of tenacity needed in a startup environment.
We look for doers—people willing to learn and dig in whenever necessary
Salman chimed in with his insights on the hiring process, emphasizing the alignment of values as a critical factor in their recruitment strategy. "It's crucial that a new hire not only matches our technical needs but shares our ethos of striving for excellence," he explained. For Scaleout, it’s not just about filling a position; it’s about finding someone who can carry the torch forward with the same vigor and vision, ensuring continuity and consistency in their work quality. This shared value system helps maintain a coherent team dynamic, which is essential for navigating the complexities of developing privacy-focused AI technologies.
The discussion also veered into how these founders translate their high academic achievements into practical business acumen, particularly in the realm of enterprise sales—a skill they initially underestimated. "I’ve come to deeply respect those who excel in enterprise sales," Andreas admitted, acknowledging the steep learning curve he faced transitioning from academia to the business world. This humility and willingness to learn from others have shaped the culture at Scaleout, making it a place where innovation is fueled by both shared values and diverse skills. Their approach to team building reflects a deep understanding that the success of their venture hinges not just on technological prowess but on the people powering it.
