Layla Shaikley

Layla Shaikley is a prominent entrepreneur and technology leader, best known as the co-founder and head of product at Wise Systems, an AI-driven routing and dispatching platform provider.14 Here are some key details about her:

Professional Background

Layla co-founded Wise Systems in 2014, which has since grown significantly:

• The company has raised over $73 million in funding, including a $50 million Series C round in 2021.1
• Wise Systems now employs about 90 people and is based in Cambridge, MA.2
• The platform helps companies optimize last-mile delivery operations using AI technology.3

Education and Early Career

• Layla has a diverse educational background:

  • Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Art from UC Irvine
  • Master's degree in Architecture
  • Further studies in Architecture at MIT1

• Before founding Wise Systems, she had interesting experiences:

  • Interned at NASA
  • Co-produced a viral YouTube video called "Muslim Hipsters: #mipsterz" in 2012
  • Co-founded TedxBaghdad1

Achievements and Recognition

• Member of the Forbes Technology Council4
• Recognized as part of an MIT accelerator program, which was crucial for Wise Systems' early development2
• Participated in other startup accelerators like Techstars and MassChallenge2

Personal Background

Layla is an Iraqi-American and a Southern California native. She comes from a traditional Middle Eastern family that typically focused on medicine and law careers, but she pursued her creative interests instead.2

Thought Leadership

Layla is active in sharing insights about logistics and technology:

• She writes articles for Forbes, discussing topics like last-mile delivery challenges and efficiency in logistics.35
• She advocates for diversity in tech, noting the funding disparities faced by women and people of color in the industry.2

Layla Shaikley's journey from architecture to tech entrepreneurship showcases her adaptability and innovative thinking in addressing complex logistical challenges through technology.