Ali Zahid
London,United Kingdom
Summary
Cloud AI Engineer with a strong technical foundation in Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing, built on completing Harvard's Professional Certificate in Computer Science for Artificial Intelligence, becoming a Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102), and achieving the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals certification (AZ-900) —validating my ability to design, build, and deploy intelligent cloud-based solutions on the Azure platform.
I bring a lifelong passion for technology—starting at age eight building computers—into a results-driven career that spans AI solution development, cloud architecture, and technical leadership. As a former CTO of a Google-backed startup, I've led cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, cloud-based AI applications that drive real-world impact.
My diverse background also includes seven years in property development, combining entrepreneurial thinking with strategic execution. International experiences in the U.S. and Europe —from camp counsellor and guitar instructor to customer-facing retail roles—have sharpened my communication, adaptability, and leadership across multicultural teams.
Technical strengths include:
- Proficient in Python, with hands-on experience developing AI models and deploying them in Microsoft Azure using SDKs, REST APIs, and services such as Azure AI Foundry, Azure OpenAI, Cognitive Services, and AI Search.
- Familiar with end-to-end ML workflows, including prompt engineering, RAG architectures, responsible AI, and AI agent development.
- Adept at translating business requirements into cloud-native AI solutions that are secure, scalable, and aligned to enterprise needs.
I bring not just technical expertise, but a strategic mindset and a proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-impact environments. I specialise in creating cutting-edge AI solutions that deliver tangible business value.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Chief Technology Officer
Invntz
London, United Kingdom
08.2024 - 02.2025
- Defined and executed the company’s technological vision, driving innovation at the intersection of biotechnology and sustainable fashion to deliver cutting-edge, customer-centric solutions.
- Led and coordinated over 100 developers during the Invntz hackathon hosted by Google, ensuring smooth operations, technical guidance, and impactful outcomes.
- Oversaw the development and strategic direction of the Invntz web platform and AI product suite, leveraging emerging technologies to build scalable, future-proof systems aligned with long-term business goals.
Software Developer
Z Properties
London, Hillingdon
05.2022 - 06.2024
- Implemented AI-based software to automate tasks for the business.
- Streamlined processes and helped businesses reduce development costs by adopting newer technology stacks to achieve better results with less investment.
Property Development Manager
Z Properties
London
08.2017 - 06.2024
- Managed a property portfolio of five houses for seven years, overseeing all operational and financial aspects.
- Handled annual tax returns, hired and supervised builders for repairs and refurbishments, sourced new tenants, and resolved tenant enquiries.
- Cultivated strong tenant relationships, upholding high standards of service and brand reputation.
- Identified, planned, and executed new real estate projects to expand and enhance the portfolio.
- Increased rental profits by over 50% through strategic refurbishments and cost-saving measures, including building two kitchens independently.
Night Shop Assistant
Nachtwinkel Lochristi Lo-Bravo
Lochristi
05.2022 - 09.2022
- International experience in Belgium dealing with customers and fostering positive customer relationships.
- Prepared invoices for customers with large and special orders.
Camp Counsellor/Lifeguard
Kennolyn Camps
California
06.2019 - 08.2019
- International experience working as a camp counsellor in America through Camp America.
- My roles: Counsellor, lifeguard, guitar instructor, and basketball coach.
- Worked as a professionally qualified RLSS UK lifeguard.
- Participated in meetings to coordinate with other staff on the campers' progress, issues, and goal achievements.
- Implemented camp activities fostering physical, social, and emotional growth.
Computer Support Specialist
Sir Cyril Taylor
Kensington, Royal Kensington and Chelsea
07.2012 - 01.2018
- Provided technical support and IT maintenance to Sir Cyril Taylor, founder of the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS), from ages 14 to 19
- Responsible for the setup, configuration, and ongoing maintenance of personal computers, software, and peripheral technologies used by the founder
- Demonstrated consistent professionalism, discretion, and a proactive, service-oriented approach, supporting day-to-day technical needs with reliability and trustworthiness
Education
Computer Science for Artificial Intelligence
Harvard
07.2024 - 01.2025
Certificate of Higher Education - Computer Science
Just IT
London 03.2024 - 06.2024
Skills
- Microsoft Azure (AI Services, Azure OpenAI, Cognitive Services, AI Search, Azure Machine Learning)
- Azure AI Foundry, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Azure Cosmos DB
- Azure DevOps for CI/CD, release pipelines, and automated testing
- AI agent development, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), prompt engineering
- ML model training, evaluation, and deployment using Azure ML SDKs and REST APIs
- Knowledge of graph search algorithms, classification, optimisation, and reinforcement learning
- Python
- Visual Studio Code (including AI-enhanced tools like GitHub Copilot)
- Strong focus on Responsible AI , security, and compliance within cloud environments
- Large-scale project management
- Cloud Infrastructure
- C#
- SQL
Certification
- Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate, 07/25
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, 03/25
- Harvard: Computer Science for Artificial Intelligence, 01/25
Affiliations
- Guitar
- Swimming
Timeline
Chief Technology Officer
Invntz
08.2024 - 02.2025
Computer Science for Artificial Intelligence
Harvard
07.2024 - 01.2025
Certificate of Higher Education - Computer Science
Just IT
03.2024 - 06.2024
Software Developer
Z Properties
05.2022 - 06.2024
Night Shop Assistant
Nachtwinkel Lochristi Lo-Bravo
05.2022 - 09.2022
Camp Counsellor/Lifeguard
Kennolyn Camps
06.2019 - 08.2019
Property Development Manager
Z Properties
08.2017 - 06.2024
Computer Support Specialist
Sir Cyril Taylor
07.2012 - 01.2018
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