Another Friday when AI Blueprint for MA doesn’t meet is another chance to spotlight a remarkable innovator making lasting, positive differences in Massachusetts.
Meet Gabi Zijderveld:
Gabi’s journey to Boston is as global as it is inspiring.
Born in New York but raised in the Netherlands, Gabi initially pursued art history but found herself on a different path when she landed in Boston in the early '90s—two bags in hand and not deciding how long she would stay…maybe just a few months.
The city, however, had other plans.
Starting with a role at Harvard University's Widener Library, Gabi soon gravitated toward tech, thanks to friends at ON Technology. What began as an international marketing role quickly evolved into a passion for building and innovating in the tech industry.
Over the years, Gabi has worn many hats—marketing, product management, strategic partnerships—at seven different startups and two public companies, including significant tenures at Dragon Systems and IBM.
Gabi’s career trajectory is nothing short of impressive.
From product management for Dragon Naturally Speaking version 1 to leading Linux marketing across IBM, she eventually took the Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Product role at Affectiva, a groundbreaking AI startup born out of the MIT Media Lab.
Her journey with Affectiva culminated in a successful exit in June 2021, when she joined the acquiring company Smart Eye as CMO. The Affectiva exit also led her to reflect on her next big move.
Enter Blue Tulip Ventures—the venture firm she started with AI pioneer Rana el Kaliouby, Ph.D..
For Gabi, Boston was the obvious choice. The city’s unique blend of academic research and tech innovation, its track record of solving hard technical problems, and its international culture made it the perfect hub for her next venture.
As Gabi puts it, “Everything I’m interested in, I can find here.”
Gabi’s story is a powerful testament to Boston's role as a breeding ground for tech innovation. With its vibrant academic institutions, access to capital, and rich tech legacy, Boston continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
However, Gabi also emphasizes the need for greater diversity in innovation. She didn't shy away from flagging the significant work that remains to ensure that more women and underrepresented tech leaders have the opportunity to invest and be invested in:
“After all my years in tech I can’t believe we are still talking about needing more diversity. To me, it’s obvious: diversity of thought and lived experience fosters innovation!”
Thank you, Gabi Zijderveld, for your invaluable contributions and for building a more innovative and inclusive future here in Massachusetts.
Let’s keep working together to make Boston a global hub for AI innovation!
#UseYourVoice #AIforGood #BuildingBetter #HumanCentricAI #GrowMassGrow #TheFutureIsInclusive
Paul Baier John Calcio Adam Rappaport Kara Peterson Judah Phillips Beverly Kahn (We're RECRUITING)
