Hi, I'm Mercan Topkara - Founder and CEO at Hashtag In Real Life | Fractional CTO, AI and Tech Advisor
I'm driven by building AI-powered platforms that enhance well-being, especially for teens and parents. I thrive on translating complex AI research into scalable products and leading teams to innovate in media tech and now, the wellness space. Let's build something impactful.
At a glance
Curated signals on strengths, focus areas, and how they can help.
Founded Hashtag In Real Life, an AI platform enhancing teen and parent well-being through real-life experiences.
Led AI initiatives as Chief AI Officer at Sounder FM, transforming their brand safety and targeting strategies.
Can offer guidance on AI strategy, building scalable recommendation engines, and R&D in NLP.
🚀 Career trajectory
Foundational Research & Development
Began career at IBM Research, focusing on social media analytics and workplace collaboration, followed by foundational work in natural language processing and digital watermarking during PhD studies.
✦ IBM Research
✦ PhD
✦ NLP
Product Innovation in Media Tech
Transitioned to product-focused roles, working on video recommendations at JW Player, then leading search, discovery, and personalization at TpT, and subsequently building data products at Luminary Media.
✦ JW Player
✦ TpT
✦ Luminary Media
✦ Recommendations
AI Leadership & Entrepreneurship
Stepped into leadership as Chief AI Officer at Sounder FM, driving AI strategy. Now founding Hashtag In Real Life, an AI-backed wellness platform, and serving as CTO for Skill-Up LLC.
✦ Sounder FM
✦ Founder
✦ CTO
✦ AI Strategy
💪🏻 Superpowers
AI-Driven Well-being Innovation
Pioneering AI solutions for holistic health.
✦ Developing an AI platform to foster healthy minds and bodies through real-life experiences.
✦ Focusing on engaging teens and parents with nature, history, and arts-based activities.
✦ Leveraging AI for personalized recommendations and skill development.
Scalable Machine Learning Leadership
Transforming organizations with AI and data.
✦ Transformed Sounder FM's strategy to an AI-centric model as Chief AI Officer.
✦ Built and maintained data pipelines for recommendation systems at Luminary Media.
✦ Specialized in scalable ML products, NLP, and data-driven decision-making.
Research-Backed Technological Foundation
Translating deep research into practical applications.
✦ PhD research focused on natural language watermarking for copyright protection.
✦ Extensive experience in NLP, usable security, and machine learning at IBM Research.
✦ Applied research insights to improve search, discovery, and personalization.
I'm excited about
✦ Seeking collaborators to scale the #InRealLife platform and expand its reach.
✦ Exploring strategic partnerships for AI development and wellness initiatives.
✦ Looking to connect with experts in youth development and mental health.
I can help with
✦ Offer guidance on AI strategy and implementing machine learning solutions.
✦ Provide insights into building scalable recommendation and personalization engines.
✦ Share expertise on research and development in NLP and data analytics.
I would love your help on
✦ Advice on scaling a mission-driven startup in the wellness sector.
✦ Connections to professionals in child psychology and educational technology.
✦ Feedback on community engagement strategies for teens and parents.
