Founder’s Unlikely Journey to Silicon Valley: A Competitive Edge in Industrial Tech
Image Credits:Interface
The Unconventional Journey of Thomas Lee Young: A Silicon Valley Innovator
An Unexpected Founder
At just 24 years old, Thomas Lee Young defies the typical mold of a Silicon Valley entrepreneur. The CEO of Interface, a startup aiming to prevent industrial accidents through AI, he brings a unique background to the table: a white man with a Caribbean accent and a Chinese surname. Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Young grew up surrounded by oil rigs and energy infrastructure due to his family’s engineering legacy. This distinctive upbringing has become a powerful asset for Interface, especially in pitching meetings with oil and gas executives.
A Determined Path to Success
Young’s journey has been anything but conventional. From the age of 11, he was fixated on attending Caltech, drawn in by the promise of innovation and creativity in America. He dedicated himself to securing admission, crafting an impressive application essay about using a Roomba to create 3D maps of his home. In 2020, he achieved his goal, but soon after, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his plans. Visa appointments were canceled and his college fund suffered a huge loss during the market downturn, forcing him to reconsider his options.
With limited time to make a decision, Young opted for a more affordable three-year mechanical engineering program at the University of Bristol in the UK. Despite the setback, he remained determined to pursue his dreams in Silicon Valley.
Gaining Industry Insight
During his time at Bristol, Young worked at Jaguar Land Rover in human factors engineering, which involved optimizing UX and safety for industrial systems. It was here that he identified a significant problem: many companies relied on outdated and poorly designed safety documentation tools, often making it difficult for workers to do their jobs safely. These inefficiencies sparked the idea for Interface.
When Young pitched his solution to Jaguar, he faced resistance. Undeterred, he applied to Entrepreneur First (EF), a talent incubator aimed at fostering entrepreneurial talent. With a mere 1% acceptance rate, his chances were slim, but he was eventually accepted, allowing him to pitch himself to potential partners.
The Power of Partnerships
At EF, Young met Aaryan Mehta, his future co-founder and CTO. Mehta, originally from Belgium with Indian heritage, faced similar hurdles during the pandemic. Both shared a passion for innovation and technology, leading them to build a strong partnership that still thrives today.
Currently residing together in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood, their collaborative dynamic allows them to share ideas and refine their vision for Interface. Despite spending significant time together, both Young and Mehta manage their busy schedules effectively.
Interface: Revolutionizing Safety in Heavy Industry
Interface’s mission is straightforward: leverage AI to enhance safety in heavy industries. The software autonomously audits operating procedures using large language models to identify errors, ensuring compliance with regulations and enhancing worker safety. The results have been impressive. For one major Canadian energy company, Interface identified over 10,800 errors in just two and a half months—a task that would have traditionally taken years and cost upwards of $35 million.
Among the concerning errors uncovered was an outdated document that listed the incorrect pressure range for a valve, potentially endangering lives. Medha Agarwal, a partner at Defy.vc, which invested in Interface’s $3.5 million seed round, noted the urgency of Young’s work.
Navigating Market Challenges and Opportunities
Interface adopted a hybrid pricing model after experimenting with outcome-based pricing, which didn’t resonate with their early clients. Currently, they have contracts valued at over $2.5 million annually with major energy companies, and they are expanding to markets in Houston, Guyana, and Brazil.
The total addressable market is substantial, with approximately 27,000 oil and gas service companies in the U.S. alone, based on IBISWorld data. Interface is strategically positioned to capitalize on the shortcomings in safety solutions within this sector.
The Advantages of Being an Outsider
Young’s age and non-traditional background have transformed potential disadvantages into advantages. When entering a room filled with executives twice his age, he often sees initial skepticism. However, he quickly turns the tide by showcasing his keen understanding of their operations and the value Interface offers.
In a recent site visit, five workers, typically skeptical of software providers, expressed interest in investing in Interface after witnessing the impact of Young’s solutions—a clear testament to the effectiveness of his approach.
Striving for Growth
Currently, Interface has eight team members—mostly engineers—working to meet growing demand. Young balances the role of a leader, often seen donning his hard hat for site visits while managing an office in San Francisco’s Financial District. He acknowledges the need for more downtime but finds strength in the challenges, feeling invigorated by the work ahead.
Embracing the Silicon Valley Lifestyle
Reflecting on his experiences in Silicon Valley, Young is amazed by how closely the stereotypes align with reality. He recalls moments of surprise while sharing his entrepreneurial journey with friends back in Trinidad.
Despite his hectic schedule, Young occasionally finds time to enjoy nature and has hosted events like hackathons for Interface. Yet, the bulk of his focus remains on the business and, predictably, on AI technology, echoing the trends prevalent in the Bay Area.
The Unique Allure of Heavy Industry
The hard hat on Young’s desk serves multiple purposes: a practical necessity and a recruitment tool. For engineers yearning for more impactful work than typical B2B projects, the opportunity to engage with field operators stands out. Less than 1% of San Francisco startups operate in heavy industry, giving Interface a competitive edge in attracting top talent.
Conclusion: A Unique Yet Fulfilling Experience
While Thomas Lee Young’s journey may not perfectly align with the Silicon Valley dream he envisioned from Trinidad, he doesn’t dwell on the differences. As he comments on the intensity of his startup life, he notes, “Over the last month or two months, I have not done much at all outside the office. But I feel pretty strong.” His drive for innovation and commitment to safety in heavy industries are set to redefine the landscape, making Interface not just another startup, but a vital player in shaping a safer future.
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