Three tech industry veterans have joined forces to establish AZX, a new Seattle-based startup specializing in customized artificial intelligence solutions. The company, which began operations in October, aims to serve critical industries with bespoke AI
applications.

The venture is already showing promise, having secured contracts with major players in the clean energy and real estate sectors, though specific client names remain undisclosed. Operating on a bootstrapped model, AZX has achieved profitability since its inception.

Leading the company as CEO is Aaron Goldfeder, whose previous entrepreneurial successes include co-founding Meetingflow (formerly known as Panda), a scheduling platform that emerged from Seattle’s AI2 Incubator before being acquired by Augment in March 2024. Goldfeder also helped establish EnergySavvy, a utility customer relationship management company that was later purchased by Uplight in 2019.

Joining Goldfeder in the leadership team are Rich Evans, who serves as vice president of technology and previously held the position of chief technologist at Meetingflow, and Michael Albrecht, who takes on the role of chief operating officer after serving in the same capacity at EnergySavvy. All three executives share a common background, having worked at Microsoft earlier in their careers.

AZX’s core business focuses on developing AI-powered applications and models designed to streamline internal business operations. The company emphasizes integration with existing client systems, addressing what Goldfeder describes as “messy internal processes” that standard AI solutions cannot fully resolve.

The startup currently employs approximately nine people, including both full-time employees and contractors. Its revenue model is primarily based on project time charges, though the company plans to evolve toward a hybrid approach combining time-based fees with commission structures.

Notably, AZX is established as a public benefit corporation, with a stated mission focusing on accelerating clean energy transition, supporting climate adaptation, and applying cutting-edge technologies to address pressing global challenges.

The AI app development space is becoming increasingly competitive, with hundreds of companies vying to help businesses accelerate their next-generation software development. However, Goldfeder notes that recent advances in AI and generative AI have transformed the landscape of custom app development, eliminating many of the traditional drawbacks such as high costs, poor performance, and maintenance difficulties that were common a decade ago.

Looking ahead, AZX projects revenue in the low millions for the current year and has ambitious growth plans, including doubling or tripling its team size over the next twelve months. While the company currently focuses on custom solutions, there’s potential for developing more broadly applicable products in the future.

The startup is actively seeking to expand its team, with a particular interest in recruiting individuals who share their passion for impact and AI technology. With its innovative approach to AI solutions and strong leadership team, AZX is positioning itself as a significant player in the custom AI application space, particularly focused on addressing critical industry challenges and environmental concerns.