Neil Mathew

Here’s some fire content about Neil Mathew, this guy’s the real deal in the startup and tech scene. He’s a YC W15 alum, which already puts him in the top tier of founders. But what really makes him stand out is his crazy mix of hardcore tech chops and startup hustle.

Neil’s been around the block for a minute. Before jumping into startups, he worked at big names like Bloomberg, GM, TD Securities, and Scotia Capital. So, dude’s got that Wall Street and corporate grind experience, understanding how complex systems run and what’s needed to innovate in big money environments. That kinda background? It’s rare and gives him a serious edge when it comes to building stuff that actually works at scale.

But what’s truly impressive is his pivot into AR and computer vision. Back in 2015, he co-founded Placenote, which crushed it by creating the first AR Cloud SDK for ARKit. Basically, he was working on the bleeding edge of augmented reality and computer vision before it was even trendy. That’s some advanced stuff, building tech that’s gonna be basic for AR’s future. He’s been deep in R&D, figuring out how to make AR more smooth and practical.

Then, he took all that experience and jumped into Dabble, an interior design app that used Placenote’s tech to help people visualize their spaces. Neil was CEO from 2021 to 2024, and that’s a clear sign he’s not just about tech for tech’s sake, he’s about making real products that solve problems. Dabble was about turning complex AR into something anyone can use, which shows Neil’s passion for UX design and making tech accessible. It’s like he’s always been about pushing the boundaries but also keeping it user-friendly.

His background in robotics from Waterloo, working on path planning for self-driving cars and visual positioning for medical stuff, shows he’s all about solving tough, real-world problems with tech. That blend of robotics, AR, and product design? It’s what makes Neil so versatile. He’s the guy who can take a crazy idea, figure out the R&D trade-offs, and actually build something that matters.

He’s also been involved with other startups like Perceptiv Labs and held leadership roles at Headout and Vertical, which tells me he’s not just a tech geek, he’s a builder and a leader. He’s based out of Kitchener, Ontario, but his impact is global. His Twitter and LinkedIn are filled with insights on AR, UX, and the future of tech, so he’s not just about building, he’s about shaping the scene.

In short? Neil’s the guy who’s been pushing AR, computer vision, and startup innovation for years, blending big corporate experience with hardcore technical skills and a real passion for making tech that’s usable and effective. He’s the embodiment of what it means to jump into the deep end, crush it, and keep pushing forward. No Cap.