Co-founder Of OnSale & Teknowledge, Founder Of Go Corporation, Fellow at the Stanford Centre for Legal Informatics & Author of ‘Startup: A Silicon Valley Adventure’

Jerry Kaplan is a renowned computer scientist, entrepreneur, and futurist with a career spanning decades in advancing technology. He pioneered the development of tablet computers and pen-based computing, laying the groundwork for innovations such as the Apple iPad. A successful serial entrepreneur, he co-founded companies including OnSale and Teknowledge, alongside founding Go Corporation and Winster Inc. His expertise and foresight have positioned him as a leading figure in artificial intelligence and technology, earning him recognition as a trusted voice on the future of work and innovation.

Credentials and Impact

Jerry has built a distinguished career in the AI and technology industries, driven by both academic excellence and entrepreneurial vision. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Chicago before completing a Doctorate in Computer and Information Science at the University of Pennsylvania. Early in his career, he wrote pioneering software for the Synergy, the first all-digital keyboard instrument. He later joined Stanford University as a Research Associate in the computer science department, contributing to groundbreaking research.

In 1981, he launched Teknowledge, a venture that set the stage for his future success as a founder and innovator. Kaplan also worked in development and design for Lotus Development Corporation beforefounding OnSale, a groundbreaking online auction site that predated eBay and attracted major partners including Dell, Sony, Packard-Bell, and Apple. He went on to establish further ventures, including Go Corporation and Winster Inc., reinforcing his reputation as a visionary leader in the technology sector. Today, he continues to be a Fellow at the Stanford Centre for Legal Informatics, where he applies his deep knowledge of artificial intelligence to ongoing discussions on technology and society.

Publications and Media

Jerry Kaplan has contributed significantly to the public understanding of artificial intelligence and technology through books such as ‘Startup: A Silicon Valley Adventure’, ‘Generative Artificial Intelligence: What Everyone Needs to Know’, and ‘Humans Need Not Apply: A Guide to Wealth and Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence’. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, and The Wall Street Journal, and he is recognised as a sought-after commentator on the future of technology.

Why Hire Jerry Kaplan?

Jerry is regularly booked as a speaker in the AI and technology space due to his unique combination of practical entrepreneurial experience and visionary insights into the future. He has addressed global audiences on the impact of artificial intelligence, futurism, and innovation, drawing from his pioneering role in tablet and pen-based computing as well as his leadership in founding groundbreaking companies. His expertise has earned him speaking invitations from major organisations, including Google, and his ability to distil complex technological concepts into accessible narratives makes him a compelling choice for industry conferences.

Jerry has also been recognised by Businessweek for his contributions, with one of his works named among the Top Ten Business Books of the Year. His long-standing involvement in both academic and commercial advancements ensures that he brings authority and foresight to discussions about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in artificial intelligence and technology.

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