Artificial Intelligence Speaker, CEO of OpenTeams
Joe Merrill Biography
Joe Merrill is a seasoned leader with decades of experience across diplomacy, venture capital, technology, and education. Currently the CEO of OpenTeams, he works alongside Travis Oliphant to build core software powering modern AI. OpenTeams collaborates with Meta on PyTorch, develops Nebari to link neural network models to data lakes, and supports open-source projects like TensorFlow. Their clients include Meta, Google, Nvidia, OpenAI, and Amazon.
Previously, Merrill spent eight years as General Partner at SputnikATX, a venture capital fund and accelerator, delivering top-decile returns across 75 investments by “teaching nerds how to sell.” He is also an investor and board member in transformative companies like ModTechLabs and helped create a globally adopted project-based STEM curriculum as a founding board member of The STEM Academy non-profit.
Merrill’s early career includes roles as a senior executive at Apollo Global and John Deere, overseeing billion-dollar portfolios and expanding business in China. As a U.S. diplomat from 1998 to 2002, he supported the economic agreements of the Dayton Peace Accords and advanced energy diplomacy in West Africa. Holding an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BA from University of Califoria, Davis, Merrill is passionate about helping others achieve the impossible.
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Joe Merrill Speaking Topics
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Ethics in AI
AI is the most powerful tool ever created. Which makes the importance of its ethical deployment paramount to the future of society. Can AI be applied to most situations? Yes. Should it? Well as long as those in charge understand how to do so in a transparent way that makes a task or outcome better, not just more profitable.
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Importance of Open Source AI for National Security
Open source AI has transformed how AI will determine who wins and loses in national defense. Future wars will be won not by who has AI, but by those who can effectively innovate on it fastest. The United States, and our allies, are learning how to accelerate their development cycles to keep one step ahead of what we’re seeing from global adversaries with access to the same technologies.
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How do I book Joe Merrill to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Joe Merrill for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Joe Merrill, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Joe Merrill or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Joe Merrill
Speaking fees for Joe Merrill, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Joe Merrill are $50,000 - $100,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Joe Merrill, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Joe Merrill speak about?
Joe Merrill is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Artificial Intelligence, Business, Entrepreneurship, Ethics & Integrity, Finance, Security & Defense, Venture Capital -
Where does Joe Merrill travel from?
Joe Merrill generally travels from Austin, TX, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
Who is Joe Merrill’s agent?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Joe Merrill for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Joe Merrill for your next private or corporate function. -
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Joe Merrill is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Ethics in AI , Importance of Open Source AI for National Security , Importance of AI Ownership and Protecting Competitive Edge by Eliminating Black Box AI and AI and the Future of Your Business . The estimated speaking fee range to book Joe Merrill for your event is $50,000 - $100,000. Joe Merrill generally travels from Austin, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Allie K. Miller, Zack Kass, Mike Walsh, Ray Kurzweil and Kathy Pham. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Joe Merrill for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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