Hi, I'm David Shao - Founder & CEO at Walnut AI
I am obsessed with the intersection of advanced machine learning and positive human impact. I thrive in high-pressure technical environments where I can build ethical, scalable AI solutions from the ground up.
At a glance
Curated signals on strengths, focus areas, and how they can help.
Developed robust infrastructure skills at Google and through extensive tenure as a software engineer at a top tech giant.
Currently leading a startup focused on building human-centered artificial intelligence and promoting AI for good.
Offers expertise in machine learning system design, data architecture, and transitioning from engineering to mission-driven leadership.
🚀 Career trajectory
Foundations in Scaling
Cut teeth as an engineer at industry-defining companies, learning to build at extreme scale.
✦ Software Engineering
✦ Global Scale
Deep-Tech Specialization
Mastered machine learning infrastructure, statistical modeling, and data-heavy system design.
✦ ML Infrastructure
✦ Data Systems
Mission-Driven Leadership
Transitioned to founder mode to focus exclusively on human-centered AI for social impact.
✦ Founder
✦ AI for Good
💪🏻 Superpowers
Systems Architect for AI
Building robust machine learning infrastructure from the ground up.
✦ Architects end-to-end data pipelines for high-velocity environments.
✦ Optimizes large-scale distributed computing systems using Apache Spark and Hadoop.
✦ Translates complex statistical models into production-grade software.
Human-Centric Innovator
Ensuring technology development prioritizes ethics and social impact.
✦ Integrates human-centered design principles into deep-tech AI projects.
✦ Advocates for responsible AI practices to solve systemic challenges.
✦ Aligns technical roadmap with long-term ethical societal outcomes.
Technical Founder Strategy
Navigating the transition from high-scale engineering to startup leadership.
✦ Rapidly iterates on early-stage AI products through lean methodology.
✦ Balances aggressive technical goals with pragmatic resource allocation.
✦ Translates research-heavy initiatives into viable business ventures.
I'm excited about
✦ Seeking collaborators who are pushing the boundaries of AGI ethics.
✦ Looking to engage with other founders building at the intersection of AI and social impact.
✦ Exploring opportunities to exchange technical expertise with advanced engineering communities.
I can help with
✦ Providing technical deep dives into building scalable machine learning infrastructure.
✦ Mentoring early-stage engineers on transition paths toward AI architecture.
✦ Advising on the integration of human-centered design into complex backend systems.
I would love your help on
✦ Navigating the early-stage fundraising landscape for mission-driven AI startups.
✦ Connecting with experts in AI ethics and safety frameworks for global initiatives.
✦ Gaining insights from veteran founders on scaling technical teams from zero to one.