Darian Shirazi

Darian Shirazi is a prominent figure in the venture capital landscape, serving as the Managing Partner at Gradient Ventures, Google's dedicated artificial intelligence-focused venture fund. His career trajectory is marked by a deep immersion in the tech industry, beginning as an early employee at Google, where he started as an intern at just 16 years old. This foundational experience was followed by a stint at Facebook as a product manager and the founding of his own startup, Radius, which was later acquired. This blend of engineering, product management, and entrepreneurial experience provides Shirazi with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage technology companies.

At Gradient Ventures, Shirazi leads investments into promising AI-driven startups, leveraging Google's vast resources and expertise. The fund primarily targets Seed and Series A stage companies, seeking to identify and support founders who are building transformative solutions across various sectors, from enterprise software to healthcare and robotics. Gradient's value proposition extends beyond capital, offering portfolio companies access to Google's technical mentorship, cloud infrastructure, and go-to-market strategies, which can be invaluable for scaling AI products.

Under Shirazi's leadership, Gradient Ventures typically deploys initial investments ranging from $1 million to $8 million, focusing on companies that demonstrate strong technical teams and innovative applications of AI. The fund's commitment to the AI ecosystem is underscored by its substantial capital base; for instance, Gradient announced a $300 million third fund in 2022, signaling its continued aggressive pursuit of cutting-edge AI ventures. This strategic financial backing, combined with operational support, positions Gradient as a significant partner for founders navigating the complex landscape of AI development and commercialization.