George Berkowski – Former CPO of Hailo & Author of ‘How to Build a Billion Dollar App’

George Berkowski is a distinguished entrepreneur, product innovator, and author celebrated for spearheading the creation of globally impactful mobile applications. He co-founded DeepAR.ai, a leading deep-learning augmented reality SDK powering face filters and effects used globally by major brands, and serves as CEO of ShopAR, which delivers immersive augmented reality retail experiences for companies including Prada, Tom Ford, and Jimmy Choo. Widely regarded as a top-tier authority in AI and mobile technologies, George has consistently delivered transformative products that merge technical excellence with real-world impact.

Credentials and Impact

George studied engineering, rocket science, and economics at MIT before earning his MBA from ESCP Europe. He founded WooMe, one of the first video speed-dating platforms, which grew rapidly before being acquired by Zoosk. In 2011, he became Head of Product at Hailo, the taxi-hailing app, where he shaped the product vision and helped scale the business from a startup into an international service operating in 13 cities and generating its first $150 million in revenue. His disciplined leadership during a period of hyper-growth was widely credited as critical to the company’s success.

After Hailo, George joined Booking.com as VP of Product, Trips, where he led product, design, and data initiatives across all non-accommodation verticals. His leadership helped broaden the company’s offering beyond accommodation, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading travel platform. He later co-founded Little Creatures, a personalised bedtime book company that created unique, tailored stories for children, demonstrating his ability to blend creativity with entrepreneurial thinking outside the technology space.

Alongside his entrepreneurial ventures, George served as Chairman of the MIT Enterprise Forum UK, mentoring high-tech startups across Europe. He also worked as a Venture Partner at Eightroads Venture Capital, advising emerging technology companies. His achievements have been recognized with nominations for the Europas Award for Best Product and acknowledgment by Wired UK as one of Europe’s most influential tech leaders.

Publications and Media

As the author of ‘How to Build a Billion Dollar App’, George established himself as a leading voice on building and scaling successful digital products. He has delivered a TEDx talk titled “How to Build a Billion Dollar App,” where he shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey. His expertise has also been featured in Wired, The Telegraph, FHM, RTE Radio, and Yahoo, reinforcing his reputation as a trusted commentator on technology and innovation.

Why Book George?

Booking George Berkowski introduces audiences to a visionary entrepreneur and product innovator with a proven track record of shaping the future of technology. As a founder and leader, he has consistently brought groundbreaking ideas to life, building digital products that combine technical excellence with real-world impact. George’s unique ability to bridge strategy, design, and innovation allows him to inspire audiences with clear, actionable insights on how to harness emerging technologies to create lasting value.

With deep experience in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and mobile product development, George brings a global perspective on how technology is transforming industries and consumer experiences. He is a compelling speaker whose dynamic delivery engages audiences ranging from corporate leaders to aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether discussing the future of AI, the challenges of scaling products, or the principles of innovation, George equips audiences with the mindset and tools to thrive in a rapidly changing digital world.

To book George to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry