Founder & CEO

Paul Allen

Co-founder of Ancestry.com · Based in Utah & Missouri

Paul conceived Ancestry.com in 1996 and launched it as founding CEO in 1997. The platform has since helped over 100 million people discover their family history. A sought-after keynote speaker and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, he's spent three decades building technology that makes complex, deeply human things accessible to everyone.

"If I have one entrepreneurial superpower, it's asking questions at scale."

His Vision

PURE AI

With SOAR, Paul is building what he calls PURE AI — a framework for artificial intelligence that puts people first.

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Personalized

AI that learns how you work, write, and think — and adapts to you.

trending_up

Uplifting

Technology that makes your life better, not more addictive or distracting.

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Responsible

We don't sell your data. We don't serve advertisers. Your AI works for you.

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Ethical

Built with guardrails, transparency, and a constitutional approach to AI behavior.

“Every person everywhere deserves a chance to soar with their strengths. AI should make you more capable, not more dependent.”

Career

Companies & Roles

SOAR

Founder & CEO

An AI studio building personalized, uplifting, responsible, ethical AI across work, family, community, and learning. Multiple subsidiaries including Workplace AI and Citizen Portal.

Ancestry.com

Founder & Founding CEO

Conceived the idea in 1996 and launched as founding CEO in 1997. The platform has helped over 100 million people discover their family heritage.

Gallup

Senior Adviser

Helped lead the Global Strengths Movement. Over 30 million people have used CliftonStrengths to discover their natural talents.

Speaking & Media

Book Paul for
Your Event

Paul is a sought-after keynote speaker, podcast guest, and interview subject. His talks combine deep technical insight with a human-first philosophy that resonates with executives, engineers, and educators alike.

Speaking Topics

mic AI That Serves People, Not Advertisers

mic From Ancestry to AI: Building for 100 Million Users

mic Strengths-Based Leadership in the Age of AI

mic PURE AI: Building Ethical Technology

mic Bring Your Own Agents: The Future of Personal AI

Available for

Keynotes Podcast Interviews Panel Discussions Fireside Chats Video Interviews Workshops

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