Achievements
- Y Combinator W12 alum
- Founder of Surge.AI and Luma Camera, acquired by Instagram
- Led product design at Bundle and Joog
- Held roles like Chief of Experience at an AI company and CEO at Rise9
- Developed AI tools including ChatGPT plugin "What's Trending?"
- Part of University of Waterloo and Velocity startup program
You should know Ivan Karpenko
Allow me to introduce you to the phenomenon that is Ivan Karpenko, this dude’s the real deal in the startup world. He’s a YC W12 alum, which is already a big badge, but what’s crazy is how much he’s crushed it since then. Guy’s got a background that’s pretty much a tech and design mashup, full-stack engineering and design? No wonder he’s killing it.
He’s been involved in tons of projects, but the highlights are Surge.AI and Luma Camera. Luma? That got acquired by Instagram, no cap, that’s huge. That move put him on the map as a legit innovator in AI and camera tech. Before that, he was leading product design at companies like Bundle and Joog, so he’s been deep in the trenches making products that actually work and look good.
Ivan’s also held key leadership roles, like Chief of Experience at an AI company and CEO at Rise9. He’s not just messing around with side projects, he’s out here building real companies, leading teams, and pushing tech forward. He’s got a knack for both design and engineering, which is kinda rare, most people pick one, but he’s doing both at a high level.
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Talk to herAnd get this, he’s also developing AI tools, like a ChatGPT plugin called “What’s Trending?” That’s some advanced stuff, showing he’s not just riding the wave but making new ones. Plus, he’s been part of the University of Waterloo scene and a Velocity resident, so he’s plugged into the startup system from the ground up.
What does all this tell me? Ivan’s all about building stuff that’s new and useful. He’s motivated by creating meaningful tech, and he’s not afraid to jump into new problems. Every project he touches seems to turn to gold because he combines deep technical skills with sharp design sense. That’s what makes him stand out, he’s not just another founder, he’s the real deal, pushing the boundaries of AI and product experience.
Bottom line? Ivan Karpenko is one of those guys who’s been there, done that, and keeps pushing forward. He’s shaping the future of AI, camera tech, and product design, all while staying super grounded in the startup hustle. No Cap, this guy’s worth watching.

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