Meet Our Team

Virginia Puccio

Founder & CEO

Virginia Puccio, Founder and CEO of Fuel AI, leads the premier global marketplace connecting people who take photos with their smartphones to AI Builders for first- party data. With a versatile professional background spanning roles at Google, RetailNext, Standard AI, and the Jewish Community Center of Silicon Valley, she brings a wealth of experience in large corporations, startups, non-profits, and entrepreneurship. Virginia's executive acumen is complemented by her contributions as a rugby coach at both University and Club levels.

In her previous role as Head of Data Operations at Standard AI, Virginia orchestrated a global team to pioneer data development for autonomous checkout technology, propelling the company to Unicorn status with a billion-dollar valuation in early 2020.

Before launching Fuel AI, Virginia played a pivotal role as the leader of Growth & Strategic Partnerships at DataPure, a business process outsourcing company. Here, she refined her expertise in generating data for AI and automation across a variety of use cases, laying the foundation for her innovative work at Fuel AI.

Beyond her corporate success, Virginia is dedicated to making a difference. Actively volunteering, she serves on the Dean's Advisory Board at Santa Clara University, mentors in the Conexiones Mentorship Program at the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, and chairs the Annual Charity Golf Tournament for her former rugby club, The San Jose Seahawks Rugby Football Club.

A proud alumna of the University of California, Davis, with a BA degree and an MBA from Santa Clara University, Virginia seamlessly transitioned from a Division 1 collegiate rugby athlete to community service. Retired from rugby after nearly two decades of experience in the sport, she now manages women’s and co-ed soccer teams creating a supportive environment where women can both enjoy and learn the game of soccer, fostering skill development that seamlessly translates to success in the professional arena.

Outside the realm of AI and business, Virginia finds joy in hiking, soccer, yoga, meditation, and cherishing moments with her dog and two cats. Her multifaceted career and commitment to community engagement define her as a visionary leader in the ever-evolving landscape of AI and technology.

Jon Nam

Co-Founder & COO

Jon Nam, the Co-founder and COO of Fuel AI, brings over 25 years of remarkable success as a results-oriented Senior Operations and IT Executive in diverse industries, including retail, innovation technology, broadcasting, and manufacturing. Renowned for his strategic acumen, Jon excels in guiding businesses to achieve operational excellence, process innovation, and surpass P&L targets.

Jon is a sought-after advisor, providing expertise in scaling, process optimization, quality assurance, KPI development, client success engagement, system integration, and addressing production bottleneck issues. His extensive skill set encompasses IT solutions architecture, global operations, supply chain management, logistics, vendor management, program management, business development, demand planning, data centers, and system optimization.

In his illustrious career, Jon has held key leadership roles, including Senior Vice President of Global Operations at Mashgin, Vice President of Global Services at Standard AI, Director of Operations at CCIntegration, Vice President of Operations at RetailNext, and Director of Global IT and Media Technology at Macy’s Merchandising Group.

As Senior Vice President at Mashgin, Jon played a pivotal role in driving planning and strategy, incorporating data-driven insights for actionable KPIs, establishing organizational structures for hyper revenue growth, and fostering a startup culture desired by all employees. Jon's expertise has consistently contributed to achieving unicorn status and triple-digit revenue growth at both Standard AI and Mashgin.

Jon holds a BS in Information Technology and an MBA in Business Administration from American InterContinental University. Beyond the world of AI, Jon enjoys playing tennis with his son, cheering for his daughter in dance competitions, and indulging in barbecue cooking with his wife. His multifaceted expertise and commitment to excellence position Jon as a seasoned leader in the ever-evolving landscape of operations and technology.

Shaunak Chaudhary

Engineering Lead

Shaunak Chaudhary is the Engineering Lead of Fuel AI, the preeminent global marketplace connecting smartphone photographers with AI Builders for first-party data. Shaun is also the former Co-founder and CEO of Tiffeasts. This innovative venture, akin to a culinary-focused Doordash, facilitated home-cooked meal delivery by empowering individuals who preferred to work from home, such as moms and grandparents. Operating in Pune and Mumbai, India, Tiffeasts flourished for two years, navigating the challenges of the pandemic, and achieving milestones such as 4,000 website visitors, 1400+ app downloads, and over 850 successful meal deliveries. Despite its success, Shaun's relocation to the US has made it impractical for him to effectively dedicate time to Tiffeasts.

As a seasoned engineer, Shaun thrives on the product side of technology, reveling in the entire product lifecycle from ideation to development. The blend of analytical thinking, creative marketing, and value optimization fuels his passion, presenting constant challenges for innovation and outside-the-box thinking.

Currently pursuing a Master's in Computer Science & Engineering at Santa Clara University, Shaun will graduate in June 2024. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University in India in March 2020. Actively involved as a Research Assistant in the Paper Prison Project, Shaun delves into criminal datasets to identify gaps in criminal record expungement, aligning with the Clean Slate Initiative's mission for societal change. He also assists students at the Technology Help Desk on campus.

With a rich athletic background as a national-level gymnast for half his life, Shaun remains passionate about sports and outdoor adventures. Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, he engages in badminton, hiking, and trekking expeditions, considering these activities not just as hobbies but as a way to deeply connect with nature. Shaun's diverse experiences and commitment to impactful research exemplify his holistic approach to life and work.

Morgan Purcell

Engineering

Morgan Purcell is a dynamic and innovative Full-Stack Engineer at Fuel AI, where he leverages cutting-edge technologies to create user-centric experiences. His work drives AI innovation and redefines the dynamics of data exchange.

Born and raised in Ireland, Morgan brings a unique international perspective to his role. He has a distinguished background in sports, having represented the Leinster and Connacht underage rugby teams in Ireland, and earned a cap for the underage Ireland rugby team, honing his teamwork and leadership skills in the process. Awarded an academic and athletic scholarship to a top U.S. rugby school, Morgan excelled both on the field and in his academic pursuits. Recognized as a Student Life Sports Academic High Performer in 2022, Morgan was also a consistent member of the Dean's Honor Roll at Lindenwood University.

Completing his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Lindenwood University as a student athlete, Morgan graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2023. While in college, he gained valuable industry experience as a Front-End Engineer for P3 Development Group, leading the development of the company’s website. He also served as a Back-End Engineer at Lindenwood University Athletics Performance Department, playing a pivotal role in creating a scalable athlete management system to track and visualize performance metrics for a large number of student- athletes. Morgan's approach to problem-solving in software engineering and user experience design is characterized by creativity and innovation.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Morgan enjoys playing rugby with his team in San Jose, working out, exploring music, traveling, and engaging in personal software engineering projects, including the development of AI chat assistants and apps. Morgan’s multifaceted background, academic achievements, and commitment to innovation make him a standout figure in the realm of AI and software engineering.

Chintan Maniar

Head of Customer Success

Chintan Maniar is the Head of Customer Success at Fuel AI. Chintan, with a rich 19- year history at Target, has seamlessly transitioned from big-box retail to high-growth startups, showcasing his adaptability and leadership prowess. Over the past 5+ years, he has been a pivotal force in the success stories of two unicorn status startups, Standard AI and Mashgin, where he harnessed his skills in business operations and customer success.

As a transformational leader, Chintan excels in strategy development and team building, consistently delivering exceptional results. Notably, at Mashgin, he spearheaded a double-digit percentage increase in the adoption usage of the self- checkout solution, showcasing his adeptness at fostering collaboration and driving performance in dynamic environments.

Chintan holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from San Jose State University. Beyond his professional achievements, Chintan's passion for people and processes extends into his personal life. With an energetic 4.5-year-old son, he is actively engaged in attending and supporting his son's sports activities, ranging from t-ball to soccer and basketball. This commitment to family is complemented by shared interests, including hiking, traveling, and savoring diverse cuisines, painting a holistic picture of Chintan's dynamic and driven personality.

Chintan's success in both professional and personal spheres is rooted in his unwavering commitment to people, processes, and continuous growth. His ability to lead transformative change, coupled with a genuine passion for his pursuits, positions him as a valuable asset in any endeavor.