The series “Meet KOSA AI” finishes with introducing to you our founders and we are getting first-hand insights into the world of KOSA AI from them.
Started in Nairobi, Kenya, our amazing founders Layla Li and Sonali Sanghrajka met with the passion for driving positive impact through technology. As diversity is not our goal, but an ongoing process embedded in our organization’s DNA, we have been growing team based all over the globe- The Netherlands, Kenya, India, Ethiopia, North Macedonia, South Korea and many more.
We are officially introducing to you Layla Li, co-founder and CEO of the company. Layla is a true inspiration and always sharing the most thrilling details about the industry, the work that KOSA does and what’s all behind it.
We asked Layla the famous questions from our ‘Meet KOSA AI’ series. Here are the answers.
1. Tell us about your journey on creating KOSA AI and what was the motivation behind it.
-I’ve been working in large tech companies like Philips and Tesla for almost a decade now, and the idea of equity in technology is really important to me, so that’s how KOSA came to be. And the co-founders all understand how difficult it is to make change in corporates, so we’re here to make it easier for companies to develop equitable technologies.
2. What does it mean to be a co-founder and CEO? What part of your job brings you the most satisfaction?
-I also wondered what exactly is a CEO’s job. After running the company for a year, I think it’s about creating the vision and making sure we have all the right parts to take us there. Also the fun part no one told me about is doing the work that no one else wants to do, so I’m the sales, accounting, HR, legal and admin departments all in one, haha. The part that makes it all worth it is seeing your idea coming to life and creating impact.
3. Why do you care?
-The disparity in technology impacts PoC, women and other marginalized groups disproportionately. It’s hard not to care when you’re one of them.
4. Can you share with us something that you’re passionate about?
-I’m really into learning new languages (programming or not). It’s an excellent way to appreciate other cultures and get fresh perspectives.
KOSA AI is so happy to have a person like Layla on a leading position as her drive to success in making global impact with figuring out solutions for mitigating AI bias and future-proofing AI is contributing to KOSA’s mission of enabling more inclusive technologies.
