We help our customers see why things happen
We’re excited to learn a little about you, but first, it’s only fair that we share a bit about us. There’s a story behind Goldfire, and lots of fun facts about the people that work on it.
The Goldfire Story
A young Russian’s dream
Valery Tsourikov, a young Russian soon-to-be entrepreneur, is studying to receive his masters in computer science in Minsk. He is intrigued by the concept of artificial intelligence (it’s a hot topic at the time) but knows that the prestigious American universities have already set out to invest in the most notable areas for the technology. Instead, he decides that it would be cool if he could teach a machine to invent things. So, he sets out to do it.
Tsourikov’s first AI success
Almost 10 years later, Tsourikov has something to show for his idea: a program that could invent and test novel mathematical algorithms. He donates 20,000 of these computer created algorithms to the Moscow Electrical Communications University’s Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence program, which helps distinguish communications from background noise.
Invention Machine is born
Tsourikov officially starts his own company in Minsk – Invention Machine – to sell his product, quickly convincing 800 major companies in the Soviet industry to run the program for their businesses.
*The original team, pictured below.
Making it in America
Invention Machine continues to grow
A change in leadership
As Invention Machine finds success across industries, Mark E. Atkins, an expert in growth and business management, takes interest. He soon takes over Invention Machine from Tsourikov with the intention to fuel its growth and build out the company.
Invention Machine introduces “Goldfire Innovator”, which empowers engineers and scientists to conceive and validate the right ideas the first time, so they can reduce innovation costs and speed time-to-market. Still powered by Invention Machine’s unique semantic research technology, it is the first software to integrate within a single desktop or platform that aids the innovation process in a repeatable, uniform way.
IHS aquires Invention Machine, Goldfire
To better connect knowledge workers to innovation, IHS acquires Invention Machine. The two companies go hand in hand, as both uncover insights in a wealth of internal and external information. Invention Machine’s patented technology allows IHS to better serve engineers by enabling them to turn underlying data into actionable insights, and make better decisions, faster.
Goldfire continues to empower
Since 2012, Goldfire has served businesses around the world, such as NASA, Mondelez, Airbus, Honeywell and more, helping them build smarter, innovate faster, and create a tomorrow we’re proud of. We’re still working, and there’s more story to come, but for now, we’re just lucky enough to be living it.
Meet a few members of our team!
Geoff Sieron
Meet Geoff! Geoff is our product guy for all technology solutions in the business line. But more importantly, he’s an avid rock climber and outdoor enthusiast, even once having stared death in the face after pulling a thousand pound boulder off a rock face. That hasn’t stopped him from seeking adventure though and we’re pretty sure nothing ever will.
Tom Baker
When Tom’s not helping current and future customers find ways to work smarter with Goldfire, he’s out hitting the slopes. Tom’s a PSIA certified (Professional Ski Instructors of America) Alpine Ski School Trainer and even helped choreograph the skiing scenes for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1994 film “True Lies.” When it’s too warm to ski, he’s out camping, boating, biking and exploring with his family.
Maisie Greene
Maisie’s one of our Account Managers in the Americas and loves to talk to current and potential customers to help them find their competitive edge with Goldfire. She’s quick to find creative solutions both at the office and beyond – especially evident in the fact that she once funded her travels around South America for 6 months solely by selling pastries on the street.
Hajime Kawano
Hajime Kawano is our Regional Manager in the APAC area, based out of Tokyo. He loves to be outside – whether that’s playing goalie for the local soccer team or just taking a stroll with his wife and their 13 year old golden retriever. They love learning about history and often take day trips (of course with their dog!) to some of their favorite historic shrines.
Rachel Anderson
Rachel is on the marketing team and spends much of her time dreaming up the next big marketing idea, and then figuring out how to make it happen. Outside of work you’ll find her enjoying Denver’s live music scene, working on paintings, and exploring such destinations as Cuba, Norway and Indonesia.
Peter Suhorukov
Meet Peter! Peter works on our research and development team in Minsk, Belarus. In his free time, he loves to travel, read, and spend time with his wife, three kids and of course their family cat.
Rich Hofer
Rich is often found creating – whether that’s in product design at the office, producing his own music at home, or finding a new route to rock climb. His recent claim to fame is the “laughter induced stomach hernia” he got from seeing a Dave Chapelle comedy show, so you know who to go to share a good laugh.
Evan Shelby
This is Evan. Evan is our go-to guy for all things product on Goldfire. Outside of work you’ll likely find him running (he’s a New York City Marathon finisher) or volunteering with the Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue.
What’s on our minds:
Check out a few pieces that we’re reading, listening to, and thinking about right now.
