Shekhar Yadav

Partner, 23 Ventures (AI Focused Product Studio)

2020 - Current

23 Ventures is an AI-first product and venture studio comprised of seasoned operators with a proven track record of incubating and launching successful ideas. We understand what it takes to transform concepts into functional MVPs, attract customers, achieve market fit, and scale effectively. Acting as a blend of seed fund, incubator, and development studio, we bring deep expertise in utilizing generative AI (such as OpenAI, Claude, and other LLM providers) and embedding these technologies strategically into businesses. We’re always eager to partner and collaborate—whether you have ideas to share or want to learn more about our projects, we’d love to connect. Additionally, we offer guidance in building corporate venture studios (cvc's) and innovation labs within organizations. (Product Management, Business Strategy & Corporate Development)

Partner

2009

Active angel investor - investing in B2C and SAAS enterprise startups.

Advisor

2024

I guide mid-market companies, helping them understand how to effectively use AI in their operations. My advice focuses on the acceleration and innovation of business outcomes, using AI as a tool to achieve these goals. I then work with these companies to identify areas in their business processes where AI can be implemented for maximum benefit. We help these companies leverage AI not just for short-term gains, but for long-term sustainability and growth. The goal is to ensure that these companies are not just keeping up with the trend of AI, but can use it to their advantage in a meaningful way.

Strategic Advisor

2020 - 2021

SVP Product & Engineering

2017 - 2020

re:inventing journalism, user engagement, money & Internet. Developed product strategy and engineering roadmap for full-stack adtech solution - including a complete ad buying platform - campaign manager, ad targeting, pricing engine and ad server. We developed one of the industry first data exchange that paid users for user permission and contextual data. Built native Ad formats and creative tool to help brands buy more engaging ads both on Invisibly network and on other inventory sources. Built integration with Yahoo Gemini, Tradedesk and other media buying platforms to integrate demand into Invisibly publisher inventory (100+ large publishers including Meredith and Hearst sites). Invisibly was deployed at these publishers as a first choice adserver. First party data platform to build contextual advertising stack for publishers. Worked on pricing engine for valuing user attention and news engagement. (processing 100m+ daily event data). Hired and built the engineering and product organization. (50+) Media -- https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2017/12/06/invisibly-the-project-jim-mckelveys-been-working.html

Executive Vice President

2016 - 2017

Re:think consumers, platform and adtech Launched consumer preference tool "Project Awesome" that provided preferential ad-blocking in iOS app or browser plugin. Building largest ad dataset with deep information about consumer preferences. Building integration via openRTB for largest buyers like Walmart to facilitate direct in-house DSP buying. Worked on strategic acquisition diligence for increasing inventory base.

Senior Vice President

2014 - 2016

Built venture studio and investment arm of Rubicon Project.

Senior Vice President

2013 - 2016

re:imagine Online Ads Launched industry's first managed bidder as a service for premium advertiser to help them manage in-house ad buying. (programmatic DSP) Leading strategy and technology for Open Platform and APIs - building out partner and developer community, and responsible for App Marketplace. Facilitated integration of newer DSPs into Rubicon supply. Built and managed corporate incubator to invest into new products/partners.

Investor/Advisor

2016 - 2017

Re:think dating and making new connections. Our patent pending AI match engine helps users find potential matches based on interests, activities and thousands of other factors while still keeping it fun.

Investor

2012 - 2016

Social shopping + personalized retail solution based on behavioral learning and social data. Shopience aggregates products from over 2500 stores and using AI segregates it into 15k+ categories to provide personalized wardrobe recommendations. With more than 500k social connections, Shopience is premium channel for e-commerce in 18-25 women fashion vertical.

Advisor

2012 - 2015

TIL Darling is emerging boutique for casual women's clothing, advising the team on content monetization & technology strategy!

Lead Product Manager

2010 - 2011

Product manage Adplanner for Google Display, Mobile Ads products. The product was used by Tier-1 advertisers to do ad and media planning. Worked with retargeting sales team to onboard larger customers with data analytics and extended ad planning data. Provided one view to search, content and revenue data to internal and external stakeholders. Provide analytics/data support to sales strategy and finance teams for demand forecasting, account optimization and customer acquisition.

Chief Architect

2005 - 2010

Designed and built the email platform.