Waymakers Program

Waymakers are seasoned operators who’ve scaled profitable companies. Entrepreneurial, execution-driven, and purpose-aligned, they’re experts at adapting and building in fast-moving markets.

Our Waymakers

Let's not build AI the way we built the internet. Let's build it with purpose.

Startup Advisor, former COO, former Microsoft
Dianna Winegarden
Startup Advisor, former COO, former Microsoft

Dianna is an executive leader with deep expertise in Customer Success, Professional Services, and Solutions Delivery. She has scaled global teams, led turnarounds, and built high-performing organizations through sharp execution and stakeholder alignment. Her work spans pricing strategy, digital CS tools, and cross-functional delivery.

Co-Founder & CEO at Unique Minds, ex-Microsoft and Oracle
Elad Ziklik
Co-Founder & CEO at Unique Minds, ex-Microsoft and Oracle

Elad is a product and engineering executive with decades of experience building successful startup-like incubation teams within large corporations and getting them to scale. After 25 years in Big Tech, Elad quit his job and co-founded Unique Minds, a startup applying the magic of AI to help neurodivergent people. Elad is the former Head of AI Services for Oracle, and Co-Founder of Azure's Cognitive Services and Cognitive Search.

CEO & Co-Founder Truss
Everett Harper
CEO & Co-Founder Truss

Everett is CEO and co-founder of Truss, designing, building, and scaling modern software for government agencies. Truss helped build IRS Direct File, and delivered systems for CMS, DOL, DOD, SEC, Dell among others. He brings experience in strategy, growth, and purpose tech from stints at Bain, Self-Help, and Linden Lab. He holds a Stanford MBA, M.Ed and Duke BSEE and is the author of Move to the Edge, Declare it Center (Wiley).

Start up Advisor, finance, gaming and business executive
GC Chew
Start up Advisor, finance, gaming and business executive

‍GC is a business development and finance professional in the gaming industry, specializing in supporting startup studios. He has helped studios secure funding and refine their products to reach the right audience. Most recently, he served as a consultant to the investment team at a AAA Japanese studio.

Founding C-level executive with seven start-ups, SBIR expert
Philip Brooks
Founding C-level executive with seven start-ups, SBIR expert

Philip is a founder and startup advisor with 40+ years of consulting experience across medtech, climate, and creative industries. As an Entrepreneur in Residence with the University of Pittsburgh's Innovation Institute, he co-led the National Science Foundation-funded I-Corps Site program to help 200+ research teams build market-ready solutions. He holds an MBA from Carnegie Mellon.

Distinguished Advisor, Profit & Purpose Strategy
Selvam Velmurugan
Distinguished Advisor, Profit & Purpose Strategy

Selvam Velmurugan is a distinguished technology leader and systems thinker with over two decades of experience architecting large-scale platforms across healthcare, conservation, e-commerce, and governance. As an advisor to Waymakers.ai, he brings deep technical expertise, executive leadership, and purpose-driven innovation. He has held senior roles at Amazon, Netflix, Groupon, Vulcan, Aetion, and BlinkHealth. Selvam holds five U.S. patents and is a recognized voice in data ethics, AI strategy, and civic technology. He provides strategic guidance on integrating profit with planetary and societal outcomes.

Co-founder, The Venture Mindset. Senior Advisor to McKinsey. Ex-Amazon and AWS AI
Alex Dang
Co-founder, The Venture Mindset. Senior Advisor to McKinsey. Ex-Amazon and AWS AI

Alex is an innovation and product leader with over two decades of experience turning emerging technologies into scalable businesses. At Amazon, he reshaped shopping experiences and led early AI initiatives. As a McKinsey Partner in Silicon Valley, he helped companies launch digital ventures and growth platforms. Co-author of The Venture Mindset, a global bestseller, he now works with investors and executives to shape AI strategies, venture portfolios, and next-generation products.

About Our Waymakers Program

Apply your expertise to scale purpose-driven AI companies. Join our network to make an impact on the next wave of cutting edge tech.

Who We're Looking For

Experienced operators who have built and scaled businesses at large corporations, shepherded companies to successful exits, and operationalized businesses to billions in revenue. You bring deep networks, proven expertise, and a commitment to purpose-driven innovation.

Your Impact as a Waymaker

As a Waymaker, you'll apply your operational expertise to help AI startups navigate their most critical growth phase. We match you with founders whose missions align with your experience, allowing you to create lasting impact through hands-on guidance and strategic support.

What We Provide

Equity participation in Waymakers and potential portfolio companies, curated matching with startups that align with your expertise, access to a professional community of like-minded operators, and flexible engagement designed around your availability and goals.

Your Commitment

Commit to minimum monthly hours of hands-on operational support, deep partnership with 1-3 companies at a time, results-oriented approach focused on specific growth milestones, and participation in our annual Waymaker Founder's Day and other gatherings.

Why Join Now

The AI revolution presents unprecedented opportunities to solve global challenges while building profitable businesses. Your experience is exactly what responsible AI founders need to scale successfully without compromising their vision.

Your Journey as a Waymaker

From application to impact - here's how experienced operators join our community and start scaling purpose-driven AI companies.

01

Application & Interview

Share your expertise and vision. Submit your background and participate in our screening process to ensure alignment with our mission and approach to AI scaling.

02

Onboarding & Matching

Welcome to the community! Complete our onboarding process and get matched with 1-3 purpose-driven startups that align with your expertise and interests.

03

Hands-On Engagement

Work directly with founding teams to execute on critical growth milestones and scaling challenges.

04

Community Impact

Expand your network and influence. Participate in Waymaker Collective gatherings, share insights with fellow operators, and deepen your impact across our portfolio.

Why Join as a Waymaker

Bespoke, critical scale-stage support for AI companies navigating rapid growth, operational complexity, and responsible scaling challenges.

Purpose-Driven Impact

Work with companies solving real problems — Partner with AI startups tackling healthcare, climate, and social challenges that matter.

Hands-On Engagement

Operational leadership, not passive advising — Roll up your sleeves and drive actual results alongside passionate founding teams.

Equity & Returns

Meaningful financial participation — Share in the success through equity in Waymakers and portfolio company opportunities.

Elite Network

Connect with top-tier operators and investors — Join an exclusive community of executives committed to responsible innovation.

Ready to Build AI Companies That Scale?

Whether you're a founder searching for a way to cross the chasm, an operator ready to build AI that matters, or an investor seeking companies built last—we're here to connect the right people at the right moment.
Let's explore growth together.

Contact us

Ready to explore how Waymakers can help scale purpose-driven technology? Reach out to start the conversation.

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