Zach Rattner

CTO & Co-Founder at Yembo | Bringing AI to the home services industry | Author of Grow Up Fast: Lessons from an AI Startup

  • Thriving in an era of constant change

    Applying AI to new areas

    Demystifying AI

  • $20k to $30k plus travel

  • San Diego, California

Zach Rattner is a technology leader who built his career from corporate engineer to AI startup founder. As the Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Yembo, he developed AI-powered virtual surveys that have changed how the home service and insurance industries operate. Yembo now serves customers in over 20 countries, processes millions of videos per year, and has grown to a 70-person company with multi-million dollar revenue.

With over 15 years of software engineering experience, Zach spotted and acted on opportunities in the AI space early. He holds over 20 granted US patents, with several more pending, and ranks in the top 2% of contributors on Stack Overflow. As a LinkedIn Top AI Voice, he shares practical insights about AI innovation and technology leadership.

Before starting Yembo in 2016, Zach worked at Qualcomm, where he led software development for Qualcomm ImpaQt, the company's internal innovation program. He guided teams through the incubation process, oversaw prototype development, and created internal tools that saved the company millions. His technical background includes integrating AI technology into B2B products, web application design and engineering, modem software engineering, and Bluetooth localization technology.

In his book Grow Up Fast: Lessons from an AI Startup, Zach shares what he learned about handling uncertainty, building strong teams, and adapting to rapid changes in AI. He focuses on testing assumptions, building diverse teams, and turning limitations into advantages – approaches that helped him build and grow an AI-powered company.

Zach graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Computer Engineering and stayed active in the startup community as a Program Lead for the Startup Leadership Program and Developer Track Co-Captain for Startup San Diego. Beyond technical work, he helps companies understand how to use their data effectively and gain advantages through AI implementation.

Speaking Topics

Thriving in an era of constant change

Zach provides you with resources to thrive in the new economy accelerated by AI. He gives context on the advancements in the industry that are enabling AI to advance so rapidly, as well as an analysis of the kinds of problems AI is suited for, and highlights the opportunities created by this powerful technology. The presentation focuses on practical applications for leadership as well as individual contributors, and a glimpse of where the technology is headed.

Key learning outcomes:

  • Understanding of the technical and economic forces causing AI to have a renaissance moment

  • Strengths and limitations of AI algorithms

  • Practical applications of AI in your industry

Applying AI to new areas

Zach delves into the innovative ways AI is being applied to uncharted territories. He explores the cutting-edge research that is pushing the boundaries of AI applications, revealing how these advancements are revolutionizing various fields. Zach will provide a deep dive into case studies from industries previously untouched by AI, showcasing how this technology is solving complex, real-world problems in novel ways.

Key learning outcomes:

  • Insight into groundbreaking research and development in AI

  • Understanding the impact of AI in non-traditional fields

  • Exploration of case studies demonstrating AI's versatility and adaptability

Demystifying AI

Join Zach as he embarks on a journey to demystify the often complex world of AI. In this comprehensive talk, Zach breaks down the core concepts of AI, clarifying its mechanics and functionalities in a way that is accessible to all. He addresses common misconceptions, provide a historical context for AI's evolution, and explain its current role in various industries. This presentation aims to simplify the understanding of AI, making it approachable and relatable to a broader audience.

Key learning outcomes:

  • Clarified understanding of what AI is and how it works

  • Insight into the historical development and evolution of AI technology

  • Awareness of the practical implications and uses of AI in everyday life

Videos on Stage

Zach’s Previous Speaking Experience

Zach is a dynamic speaker who regularly shares his expertise at prestigious industry events and academic institutions. His recent engagements include keynotes at major conferences such as the International Association of Movers, ENGAGE 24 (AICPA & CIMA), and the Evolution vs Revolution EPAA conference. He has delivered compelling talks at Virginia Tech's ECE Colloquium, the AI Stitch Conference at Etsy, and The CTO Talks Series by ArkusNexus.

Zach Rattner on stage speaking to an audience at the Engage 24 conference.

His insights have also been featured on numerous podcasts, including "The SaaS Podcast," "Think Future," and "Managing Innovation - Creating Value from Ideas." Zach specializes in interactive workshops and keynotes focused on AI transformation, data strategy, and technological innovation, particularly addressing how businesses can leverage AI to enhance customer experiences and achieve sustainable growth.

If you have any questions or would like to book Zach for your event, contact us directly.