Hi, I'm Mercan Topkara - Founder and CEO at Hashtag In Real Life | Fractional CTO, AI and Tech Advisor
I'm driven by building AI-powered platforms that enhance well-being, especially for teens and parents. I thrive on translating complex AI research into scalable products and leading teams to innovate in media tech and now, the wellness space. Let's build something impactful.
At a glance
Curated signals on strengths, focus areas, and how they can help.
Founded Hashtag In Real Life, an AI platform enhancing teen and parent well-being through real-life experiences.
Led AI initiatives as Chief AI Officer at Sounder FM, transforming their brand safety and targeting strategies.
Can offer guidance on AI strategy, building scalable recommendation engines, and R&D in NLP.
🚀 Career trajectory
Foundational Research & Development
Began career at IBM Research, focusing on social media analytics and workplace collaboration, followed by foundational work in natural language processing and digital watermarking during PhD studies.
✦ IBM Research
✦ PhD
✦ NLP
Product Innovation in Media Tech
Transitioned to product-focused roles, working on video recommendations at JW Player, then leading search, discovery, and personalization at TpT, and subsequently building data products at Luminary Media.
✦ JW Player
✦ TpT
✦ Luminary Media
✦ Recommendations
AI Leadership & Entrepreneurship
Stepped into leadership as Chief AI Officer at Sounder FM, driving AI strategy. Now founding Hashtag In Real Life, an AI-backed wellness platform, and serving as CTO for Skill-Up LLC.
✦ Sounder FM
✦ Founder
✦ CTO
✦ AI Strategy
💪🏻 Superpowers
AI-Driven Well-being Innovation
Pioneering AI solutions for holistic health.
Developing an AI platform to foster healthy minds and bodies through real-life experiences.
Focusing on engaging teens and parents with nature, history, and arts-based activities.
Leveraging AI for personalized recommendations and skill development.
Scalable Machine Learning Leadership
Transforming organizations with AI and data.
Transformed Sounder FM's strategy to an AI-centric model as Chief AI Officer.
Built and maintained data pipelines for recommendation systems at Luminary Media.
Specialized in scalable ML products, NLP, and data-driven decision-making.
Research-Backed Technological Foundation
Translating deep research into practical applications.
PhD research focused on natural language watermarking for copyright protection.
Extensive experience in NLP, usable security, and machine learning at IBM Research.
Applied research insights to improve search, discovery, and personalization.
I'm excited about
Seeking collaborators to scale the #InRealLife platform and expand its reach.
Exploring strategic partnerships for AI development and wellness initiatives.
Looking to connect with experts in youth development and mental health.
I can help with
Offer guidance on AI strategy and implementing machine learning solutions.
Provide insights into building scalable recommendation and personalization engines.
Share expertise on research and development in NLP and data analytics.
I would love your help on
Advice on scaling a mission-driven startup in the wellness sector.
Connections to professionals in child psychology and educational technology.
Feedback on community engagement strategies for teens and parents.