Hi, I'm Sean Knapp - Founder, CEO at Ascend.io
I'm a founder driven by a passion for revolutionizing data engineering through AI and agentic systems. I thrive in fast-paced startup environments, building innovative products and scaling technology ventures.
At a glance
Curated signals on strengths, focus areas, and how they can help.
Successfully scaled teams and raised over $150M, including a $410M acquisition.
Pioneering agentic data engineering with Ascend.io.
Can provide strategic guidance on AI-driven data solutions.
🚀 Career trajectory
Foundational Engineering
Began as a software engineer at Google, building core technical skills.
✦ Software Engineering
✦ Algorithms
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Founded and scaled multiple startups, including Ascend.io, leading to significant growth and funding.
✦ Startup Founder
✦ CEO
✦ Venture Capital
✦ Acquisition
Future of Data & AI
Currently leading Ascend.io, with a strong focus on AI and agentic approaches in data engineering.
✦ AI
✦ Data Engineering
✦ SaaS
✦ Agentic Systems
💪🏻 Superpowers
Startup Growth Architect
Proven track record in scaling ventures from inception to significant milestones.
✦ Grew teams from 3 to 500+ individuals.
✦ Raised over $150M in total funding.
✦ Led successful company acquisition (Ooyala for $410M).
AI-Driven Data Innovator
Pioneering the intersection of AI, agents, and data engineering for future solutions.
✦ Deeply focused on AI and agentic paradigms.
✦ Exploring the future of data and software engineering.
✦ Developing 'delightful' data engineering experiences.
Technical Visionary Leader
Combines deep software engineering expertise with strategic leadership.
✦ Started career as a software engineer, still loves to code.
✦ Understands the intricacies of distributed systems.
✦ Guides technical strategy and product development.
I'm excited about
✦ Exploring new AI applications in data infrastructure.
✦ Connecting with forward-thinking technologists and founders.
✦ Identifying partners for strategic growth and innovation.
I can help with
✦ Offer strategic guidance on scaling data engineering teams.
✦ Share insights on building and funding SaaS startups.
✦ Provide perspectives on leveraging AI in software development.
I would love your help on
✦ Recommendations for novel AI research in data processing.
✦ Introduction to leaders in the advanced AI/ML space.
✦ Insights into emerging trends in distributed systems architecture.
