Akanksha Kumar
Founder & CEO at Humanness Inc.; Angel Investor
Leading Humanness Inc. to enrich human connection through technology while advancing expertise in Machine Learning and AI.
Intro
I'm Akanksha Kumar, the Founder & CEO of Humanness Inc. and an active Angel Investor based in Palo Alto. My career has been a journey of building from 0-to-1, from launching a custom clothing startup to leading product initiatives at Facebook and Sunrun. Currently, I'm focused on creating technology that enriches human connection, moving away from 'cognitively expensive' static interfaces toward a conversational future. I'm passionate about the AI revolution, founder discipline, and supporting women in tech. Whether I'm advising startups on growth or exploring new investment opportunities in the tech sector, I'm always looking for ways to create a meaningful impact. I'd love to connect with fellow builders and thinkers who are passionate about the intersection of technology and human experience.
Networking
What I can offer
- ›Startup advisory for growth and societal impact
- ›0-to-1 product strategy and roadmapping
- ›Insights on conversational UX and AI integration
- ›Mentorship for women in tech and product design
What I'm looking for
- ›Angel investment opportunities in the technology sector
- ›Collaborations with women in product thinking and design
- ›Expanding my professional network
- ›exploring mutual opportunities in the AI and Famtech industries
Best fit for
Focus
Current interests
Core competencies
Background
Career
Started as a PeopleSoft Consultant, transitioned into product management at major firms like Sunrun and Facebook, and founded multiple startups including French Cuff and Humanness Inc.
Education
MBA in Strategy from INSEAD (2009–2010); B.Tech in Information Technology from SNDT Women's University (1999–2003); Professional Certificate in ML & AI from UC Berkeley Extension (2024).
Achievements
- ›Launched Humanness Inc. 0-to-1, reaching thousands of users and generating thousands in monthly revenue.
- ›Grew French Cuff from 0 to 500 custom shirt sales within two years.
- ›Launched core order management and billing products at Furlenco.
- ›Achieved a GMAT score of 730 and Blue Ocean Certification.
Opinions
- Traditional static interfaces are cognitively expensive; the future of UX is conversational.
- Founders need laser-sharp focus over constant experimentation once PMF is achieved.
- B2C products should validate demand via ads and engagement before writing code.
- India is poised for rising leadership in global technology and engineering.
Personality
Communication style
Reflective, encouraging, and professional, balancing strategic thinking with personal storytelling.
Formality — 7/10
Vocabulary