Allen Institute for AI Reviews

Pros

The AI2 incubator is the best kept “secret" in Seattle. If you are an engineer or a researcher with an entrepreneurial drive, the Incubator offers you invaluable resources for building a startup. Founders and early stage companies in the incubator gain access to (1) an ecosystem of incredibly talented researchers and engineers who are ready to collaborate, (2) an extensive network of partners and prospective customers through the AI2/Vulcan connections and (3) an equally strong network of VCs/angels who have a long-running relationship with the Incubator. For somebody who is building a startup whose products are powered by AI, there is no better brand in Seattle than AI2 to associate yourself with. The leadership team consists of serial entrepreneurs who are approachable and dedicated to the success of each founder. The incubator has a reasonable equity/comp structure that is founder-centric and optimized for long term success. Moreover, the incubator can provide early-stage funding, cloud compute credits, beautiful space near Gas Works Park … and lunch three times a week.

Cons

There are two caveats to be aware of: (1) The incubator is a young institution, therefore expect things to be in flux (2) The incubator is not a startup studio; residents are expected to operate at a level of autonomy and to be self-starters

Pros

It's great to do research at AI2. I'm very fortunate to be able to learn from world-class researchers and engineers here. And the level of teamwork at AI2 is special---unlike for example the academic research environment, which involves more individual work, AI2 is built around teams of researchers and engineers working closely together to solve big AI challenges.

Cons

The office is hard to get to via public transportation, and the style of close collaboration on big initiatives will be thrilling for some but is not for everyone.

Pros

Open and collaborative environment with some of the brightest people in industry doing very impactful work. Fairly flat organization with a lot of transparency. Leadership that is strategic and great at providing the perfect amount of support. The incubator specifically is a great place for previous entrepreneurs and people who want to be come entrepreneurs to enter the start up world. The support offered (financial, strategic, networking, technical and more) drastically increases the chances of success for the incubated companies.

Cons

None that I can think of.

Pros

If you are interested in productizing the latest in academic AI research, this couldn't be a better place to build your company. The people who work here are dedicated, sharp, and ready to collaborate. As a founder, you have access to incredibly talented researchers and engineers; a direct line to major customers because of AI2 and Vulcan's relationships; and ready intros to top tier investors when it's time to raise. The incubator also provides some seed funding, large credits on multiple cloud platforms, and depending on various factors, benefits for those looking for a gentler introduction to startups. The leadership is dedicated to helping their founders succeed, and it shows in the efforts that they put into each startup. And all this is a good deal for founders: AI2's equity/comp setup is reasonable, and worth the acceleration and de-risking it provides.

Cons

There have been some bumps and growing pains as the incubator has worked through operational details (it's only 1.5ish years old), e.g. who to invite as CEO/CTO residents, how to structure equity/comp, and even how to house everyone as teams get successful and start to grow. Most have been resolved or are in the process, but understand that the incubator itself is a "startup" and figuring some things out. Finally, not a con per se, but worth noting: if you're not a self-starter and can't drive towards goals on your own, you will not thrive here, and will likely be frustrated. Don't mistake this for a startup-on-rails program that will deliver you to a successful product and business. Recognize that it's a place with great resources at your disposal, but only if you are able to take full advantage of them.

Pros

* Collaborative teams that are passionate about their work. * A business that has clear goals but without a for-profit motive. * Unlimited walnuts.

Cons

Projects are quite separate and it's a challenge to standardize across them.