Steve Shwartz

Steve Shwartz: AI Pioneer, Entrepreneur, and Investor

Steve Shwartz is a prominent figure in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), known for his pioneering work in natural language processing (NLP) and his successful entrepreneurial ventures. He currently serves as a Board Member and Co-Founder of Device42, a company that provides analytics software for managing complex IT infrastructures.1

Early Career and Entrepreneurial Journey

Shwartz began his career as a postdoctoral researcher in the Yale University Computer Science Department, where he conducted research in natural language processing.1 He then transitioned into entrepreneurship, founding or co-founding several AI-focused companies, including:

• Esperant Technology (1993-1998): Esperant was an artificial intelligence product that used natural language processing to provide users with business information. It was named Product of the Year by two major national industry publications in 1995 and was sold worldwide.1
• Intelligent Business Systems (1984-1992): Developed EasyTalk, a patented natural language product that was hailed by the Gartner Group as a "breakthrough artificial intelligence technology".1
• Cognitive Systems (1981-1986): One of the first commercial artificial intelligence companies, Cognitive Systems had a public offering in 1986 and sold natural language processing and case-based reasoning technology.1

Current Roles and Investments

In addition to his role at Device42, Shwartz is the Managing Director of SPS Ventures, an early-stage investment firm focused on AI companies.1 He has also served as an investor, board member, and CTO at Tangoe, a company that had a successful IPO in 2011.1

Author and Thought Leader

Shwartz is the author of three books, including "Evil Robots, Killer Computers, and Other Myths: The Truth About AI and the Future of Humanity".2 He has also written numerous journal articles and conference proceedings, sharing his insights and expertise in the field of AI.1

Education and Awards

Shwartz holds a Ph.D. from The Johns Hopkins University and conducted postdoctoral research at Yale University.1 He has been recognized for his contributions to the field of AI, including being named a "breakthrough artificial intelligence technology" by the Gartner Group for his work on EasyTalk.1