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Rana el Kaliouby
InvestorFounderCo-Founder and General Partner at Blue Tulip Ventures · Co-founder at Affectiva
Boston
FoundedAffectiva
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About
Rana el Kaliouby is an Egyptian-American AI scientist and entrepreneur whose work centers on humanizing technology and bringing emotional intelligence to the digital world. She co-founded and led Affectiva, an MIT spin-off that pioneered the field of Emotion AI, raising over $50M in venture capital before the company was acquired by Smart Eye in 2021, where she became Deputy CEO. She is now co-founder and General Partner of Blue Tulip Ventures, an AI-focused firm investing in early-stage startups building Human-Centric AI, and remains an active angel and pre-seed investor focused on underrepresented founders. She holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and completed a postdoctorate at MIT, teaches as an executive fellow at Harvard Business School, and authored the bestselling memoir Girl Decoded. She is a TED speaker, co-host of a PBS NOVA series on AI, and an advocate for AI ethics and diversity in tech.
Beyond investing
- Founded
- Co-founded Affectiva, an MIT spin-off that pioneered the field of Emotion AI, which exited to Smart Eye in 2021. Co-founded Blue Tulip Ventures, an AI-focused venture firm.
- Education
- Holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge. Completed a postdoctorate at MIT.
- Boards
- Board member of SIMPEDs at Boston Children's Hospital. Board of Trustees member at the Mass Technology Leadership Council. Board of Trustees member at the American University in Cairo.
- Communities
- Member of the Boston Steering Committee for All Raise, supporting female founders and funders. Member of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) and serves on YPO's New England board. Part of the Partnership on AI and the World Economic Forum's Council of Young Global Leaders.
- Awards
- Recognized on Fortune's 40 Under 40 list. Named one of Forbes' Top 50 Women in Tech.
- Family
- Grew up in Egypt and Kuwait and is a divorced mother of two.
- More
- Author of the bestselling memoir Girl Decoded, published by Penguin Random House in April 2020. A TED speaker and co-host of a PBS NOVA series on AI.
Mentioned above: the University of Cambridge mafia →
From Rana's own website — common ground for a warm intro.
Co-founder at Affectiva
Intro paths
In turn, Rana can intro founders to Affectiva's investors below.
Affectiva's investors · 6
Co-founders at Affectiva
Podcasts & interviews
featuring Rana el KalioubyRana el Kaliouby | Girl Decoded Video Trailer PAPERBACK
Rana el Kaliouby
Colleagues at Blue Tulip Ventures
Frequently asked questions
- Who is Rana el Kaliouby?
- Rana el Kaliouby is an Egyptian-American AI scientist and entrepreneur whose work centers on humanizing technology and bringing emotional intelligence to the digital world. She co-founded and led Affectiva, an MIT spin-off that pioneered the field of Emotion AI, raising over $50M in venture capital before the company was acquired by Smart Eye in 2021, where she became Deputy CEO. She is now co-founder and General Partner of Blue Tulip Ventures, an AI-focused firm investing in early-stage startups building Human-Centric AI, and remains an active angel and pre-seed investor focused on underrepresented founders. She holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and completed a postdoctorate at MIT, teaches as an executive fellow at Harvard Business School, and authored the bestselling memoir Girl Decoded. She is a TED speaker, co-host of a PBS NOVA series on AI, and an advocate for AI ethics and diversity in tech.
- Where does Rana el Kaliouby work?
- Rana el Kaliouby is Co-founder of Affectiva and Co-Founder and General Partner at Blue Tulip Ventures.
- What companies did Rana el Kaliouby found?
- Rana el Kaliouby founded Affectiva.
- What awards has Rana el Kaliouby received?
- Recognized on Fortune's 40 Under 40 list. Named one of Forbes' Top 50 Women in Tech.
- What podcasts and interviews feature Rana el Kaliouby?
- Tracked appearances include "Rana el Kaliouby | Girl Decoded Video Trailer PAPERBACK".
Founder mafias
Massachusetts Institute of Technology mafia1,487
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Harvard Business School mafia1,305
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University of Cambridge mafia725
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Harvard Kennedy School mafia156
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Underscore VC mafia19
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About this profile. Compiled from public sources — Blue Tulip Ventures's own website, press coverage and public professional profiles — and summarised by Fundraising Fox; every fact is kept with where it came from. Spotted an error, or would rather not be listed? Email privacy@fundraisingfox.com · How we build profiles · Your rights