About Brad Keywell

Curiosity and Aliveness

Brad Keywell frames life as a choice between two paths: one of expansive curiosity leading to full aliveness, and the other of stagnation akin to being 'not yet dead.' [1] This mindset drives his entrepreneurial pursuits and personal development, including his experience with the Hoffman Process, where he reflects on entrepreneurship through a lens of essential curiosity. [1] He shares annual philosophical gifts, such as 'The Story of Time' in 2024 and 'The Experiment of Life' in 2022, urging readers to embrace life's unknowns with wonder. [8]

Serial Entrepreneurship and Industrial AI

A prolific founder, Keywell co-founded Uptake Technologies, focusing on AI-driven insights from sensor data on industrial assets to deliver value in heavy industries. [2][5][9] Now Founder at Gigawatt AI, he targets AI applications for utilities, building on expertise in industrial AI and platform scaling where 'data is the new oil, like shale.' [7] His ventures span genomics and beyond, supported by 1+1 Ventures, his family office for incubation, investment, and acquisitions. [4] Recognized as 2019 EY Entrepreneur of the Year, he advises that IPOs 'can be fun' but aren't always optimal. [9]

Human Connections in an Automated World

Amid rising automation, Keywell argues human connections can thrive, illustrated by Chicago's Purple Line 'El' commute fostering daily interactions that algorithms can't replicate. [6] Co-authored with Adam Waytz, this piece counters fears of dehumanization, emphasizing irreplaceable social bonds. [6][11]

Mentorship, Growth, and Bold Belief

Keywell credits mentor Sam Zell for final gifts: 'Immediately develop a plan to get better' and 'Get on with it!' [10] He advocates making 'love and belief interchangeable,' calling for passionate commitment in pursuits. [3] These principles underpin his roles as professor, author, artist, and philanthropist. [5]

Platform Scaling and Data Insights

Scaling platform companies requires treating data like shale oil—hard to extract but valuable—drawing from Uptake's lessons. [7] His news highlights include World Entrepreneur Award wins and AI-focused coverage. [9][16]