Brian McCarthy is a seasoned tech executive with over 30 years of leadership across startups and Fortune 50 companies, specializing in AI strategy and execution, product and goal visioning, and go-to-market execution. As a board member and angel investor, he champions emerging deep tech ventures at the intersection of AI and industry transformation.

As founder of Stride Group, Brian leverages his expertise in AI, machine learning, and deep tech to guide clients in manufacturing, retail, energy, logistics, and edge AI solutions—delivering strategic partnerships, ecosystem building, and transformative deployments for competitive advantage and economic growth.

Previously at Intel, as a software executive, Brian led global teams pioneering generative, agentic, predictive, and physical AI solutions that empowered companies to redefine their industries.

Brian serves as President of the AI Venture Network (AIVN), Arizona's premier community fostering AI, ML, robotics, and deep tech innovation through events and collaborations.

His latest initiative, AI48 —honoring Arizona as the 48th state—propels the state to its destiny as America's AI Factory. By illuminating Arizona's unmatched advantages in land, energy, talent, and innovation through incisive industry reports, webinars, and expert convenings, AI48 accelerates investment, job creation, and global recognition—positioning Arizona as the epicenter of the next AI revolution.