Co-founder, CPO at Sloyd
Avi Latner
Avi Latner is a seasoned product leader with a track record of building and managing web-based products and creative tools that have generated over $100M in revenue. An MIT engineering graduate, he has led large teams of developers and designers, driving strategic alignment and execution. Avi has been deeply involved in generative AI applications long before founding Sloyd and continues to advance AI-powered 3D creation there.
Questions & Answers
What's a memorable 'aha' moment you've had while building your startup?
When we first launched our web app in a closed alpha, we required an interview for access. This allowed us to conduct observational usability testing, and we ended up interviewing over 100 users. The waiting list kept growing, yet we didn’t feel ready to open the tool to everyone. Eventually, we decided to launch despite not feeling 'ready.' The tool was still rough around the edges, but it did something no one else could. The response was incredible—hundreds of daily users, all coming organically. That was my 'aha' moment: realizing we had built something truly unique.
What inspired you to start your business?
When generative AI first emerged—back in the early days of GANs and 'This Person Does Not Exist'—I was inspired by the possibilities it opened up. At the time, most AI-powered tools on the market were novelty apps, like ones that aged your face or applied fun filters. As a product person, I wanted to explore more meaningful commercial applications. Meanwhile, as a design team manager, I noticed a trend: many startups were using the same ‘flat illustration’ style in their designs, often pulling from the same illustration packs. I realized generative AI could help create more variety, so I started training AI models on this type of artwork. Just as I was making progress, DALL·E launched, shifting the landscape. That’s when I switched from 2D AI to 3D AI, which ultimately led me to start Sloyd.
How is your team uniquely positioned to solve the problem you're tackling?
Our team brings together expertise from two rapidly evolving fields: generative AI and graphics programming. Both are complex disciplines that require deep technical knowledge and the ability to keep up with constant advancements. What sets us apart is our ability—despite being a small team—to work in both areas and integrate them. This unique combination allows us to build solutions that others can't.
