Silicon Valley, the hub of innovation, has witnessed the rise of countless visionaries. Among them is Michael Nabers, the force behind Umbrella AI, masterfully blending advanced technology with the heartfelt world of pet care. At first glance, it may appear an odd combination, but when you delve into his story, it becomes clear: This is the culmination of a life immersed in both tech and tender love for animals.
Over two decades as an entrepreneur, with ten of those years at the helm of tech initiatives at Samsung Electronics, Michael sculpted novel app experiences, partnering with giants like Instacart, Uber, Spotify, and Twitter. His strategy is straightforward: "Jump in fast with learning and applying new technologies and quickly surround the project with smart technical minds."
But his reason for founding Umbrella AI goes beyond just expertise-it's personal. Growing up, Michael's father was a veterinarian; he spent his childhood soaking up lessons in empathy, compassion, and medical expertise at his father's clinic. These weren't mere childhood memories but foundational experiences that crafted his vision for Umbrella AI.
For Michael, Umbrella AI isn't just a venture; it's a tribute to the pets that have graced his life. His love for his mini Aussie, Hugo, and cat, Huxley, is real. "AI technology for the well-being of pets and their families is the main driver for our team," he shares warmly, emphasizing that this isn't just about technology-it's about family.
If you've been to a pet industry trade show, you'll find it different from a tech expo's pulsating energy. The pet industry has its charm, but it's often entrenched in traditionalism. Michael sees this as a ripe opportunity, not a drawback. "Distribution in pet often relies heavily on personal connections, whereas tech distribution is focused on platforms," he points out. His ambition? To accelerate the pace of the pet industry by offering disruptive AI solutions, he's open to collaborating with anyone who shares his vision.
Reflecting on his previous ventures, Michael fondly recalls collaborating with Spotify in 2017, leading to a groundbreaking feature-the first offline listening mode outside their mobile app, launched on the Gear S3 smartwatch. It wasn't just a product but a lesson in the importance of being a product-driven organization and working in a challenging environment that involved business negotiations with record labels, artists, and international teams. However at the core, Spotify is driven by the product team and it shows in their user experiences. "These product-focused practices are going to be in my mind as we grow and expand our offerings in pet care," Michael vows.
Now, what does all this translate to for Umbrella AI? Quite a lot. "We named our company Umbrella AI because we understand the overarching coverage AI is going to have with industry and commerce," Michael explains. That's why their corporate structure is designed as a venture studio, crafted to inject AI across the spectrum of pet care-be it in nutrition, healthcare, payments, or commerce. The company's vision is robust and expansive, aiming to be the future of pet care.
In a world where technology evolves daily, the ability to adapt isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a must. And if there's one thing to take away from Michael Nabers' relentless pursuit of innovation, it's this: Under his guidance, Umbrella AI is not just catching up to trends but setting them. So whether you're a tech enthusiast, a pet parent, or both, keep an eye on Umbrella AI. It's one of those rare ventures that stands to redefine what you think is possible, all at the thrilling intersection of love and technology.
