Garrett Lord, CEO of Handshake, a leading early career network, recently underscored the pivotal role of early talent in shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence. Lord shared insights from a discussion with prominent venture capitalists Joubin Mirzadegan and Mamoon Hamid, both partners at Kleiner Perkins, emphasizing Handshake's commitment to facilitating this crucial shift. The conversation highlights the growing intersection of AI development and early career recruitment strategies.
Handshake, founded in 2014, has established itself as a significant platform connecting over 15 million students from 1,500 universities with nearly 1 million employers. The company's mission revolves around democratizing opportunity, ensuring that talent is not limited by traditional networks or educational backgrounds. Lord has consistently championed the idea that "talent is everywhere and opportunity is not," aiming to bridge this gap for Gen Z entering the workforce.
The discussion with Kleiner Perkins partners is particularly notable given the venture capital firm's strategic focus on AI investments. Mamoon Hamid, a key investor at Kleiner Perkins, has publicly stated the firm's interest in startups developing AI assistants for high-paying professions, including doctors, lawyers, and engineers. This aligns with Handshake's efforts to prepare the next generation for an AI-driven economy, indicating a shared vision for the future of work.
Handshake has been actively integrating AI into its platform to enhance career discovery and skill development. The company is building out its AI capabilities to suggest marketable courses and skills based on employer searches, and has seen a surge in demand for early-career tech talent, including in the semiconductor industry. Lord's engagement with leading VCs like Mirzadegan and Hamid signals Handshake's strategic positioning at the forefront of AI's impact on the talent landscape.
The company's initiatives aim to ensure that students, particularly those from less-selective schools, are not left behind in the rapidly evolving AI sector. By connecting a diverse pool of early talent with companies at the cutting edge of AI, Handshake seeks to drive innovation and address the industry's growing need for skilled professionals. This collaborative approach with venture capital leaders underscores the importance of fostering a robust pipeline of AI-ready talent.