Jared Zelman is a New York native known for his entrepreneurial spirit and diverse interests. He attended Friends Academy in Locust Valley, New York, where he was an active member of the upper school community. During his time there, he founded the Duck Pond Investment Club and the Shark Tank Club, reflecting his early passion for business and entrepreneurship. He also participated in the Republican Club, providing a space for political discourse among students. Zelman appreciated the mentorship of his freshman English teacher, Doc Sullivan, who encouraged him to think independently and not be swayed by others' opinions.
After high school, Zelman pursued higher education at the University of Southern California (USC), where he further developed his interests in technology and business. His time at USC included studying abroad in Madrid, showcasing his enthusiasm for travel and cultural exploration.
Professionally, Zelman has experience in technology investment, having worked at Summit Partners on its Technology Growth Equity team. He has also been involved in educational technology entrepreneurship and talent management, demonstrating a commitment to fostering innovation and supporting emerging talent.
Jared Zelman is the founder and CEO of Cicero, a company that leverages artificial intelligence to create interactive experiences with historical and contemporary figures. Cicero's platform enables users to engage in conversations with avatars of individuals such as Aristotle, Abraham Lincoln, and Winston Churchill, utilizing AI to simulate their personalities and speech based on historical records. Under Zelman's leadership, Cicero has also expanded to include digital representations of modern public figures, allowing users to interact with AI-powered personas based on their knowledge and expertise. His vision for Cicero emphasizes enhancing human connection through AI, scaling leadership personas, and facilitating meaningful interactions within organizations.