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Did the startup hack the AUC? Do they have the right team? How defensible is their AI moat and AI strategy?
Featured In & Credentials: Quoted in Forbes | NASA-Validated UCLA PhD in Statistics | Published on Locally Optimistic
AI Due Diligence Services to Help Investors Cut Through the AI Hype
AI Due Diligence Services to Help Investors Cut Through the AI Hype
I've helped investors save millions of dollars by evaluating startups' AI risks, digging into what the startup is actually doing -- vs what they pitched they're doing -- vs what the customers actually need.
"AI not delivered as a data product leads to hallucinations and nightmares.”
--Irina Kukuyeva, PhD
Why Me?
Why Me?
I’ve spent my career building, scaling, and stress-testing AI algorithms. I’ve invented and implemented algorithms that were validated by NASA’s Juno mission (for my UCLA PhD in Statistics), served millions of users globally, and generated millions in commercial revenue. As a global data executive who has evaluated and advised 100s of startups, I know exactly what it takes to bring a data product from concept to market. I even created a peer-reviewed framework published on Locally Optimistic to help founders do just that.
When evaluating an AI startup, I don't just assess whether the code runs today. I look past the pitch deck to spot inflated tech claims, evaluate whether a company has built a truly defensible moat, and determine if the technology is built to be venture-scalable in its target industry.
AI Diligence Service Packages
AI Diligence Service Packages
Tier 1: Filter
Email red/yellow/green flags or more detailed PoV on (technical) defensibility/approach/innovation within 1 business day of deck receipt.
Tier 2: Pre-Diligence Briefing
Option A (Script): 2–5 tailored questions to pressure-test technology claims, which may include assessment of technology, tech approach, tech strategy, founder/tech credibility, emailed within 1 business day of request.
Option B (Real-Time Audit): Participation on one founder call to assess responses, and a 15-minute post-call conviction debrief.
Tier 3: Diligence
Option A (Technical Audit): Review Data Room (technical hiring, model training, architecture), email Technical Audit Summary, participate in one follow-up technical interview, and a 30-minute post-review debrief.
Option B (Product Stress-Test): Hands-on functional evaluation of one core AI claim, email Findings Memo within 2–4 business days from verified access, and a 30-minute post-review debrief.
"Optimization without a baseline is just expensive guesswork. Stop guessing and start auditing." — Irina Kukuyeva, PhD in Forbes (March 2026)
How We'll Work Together
How We'll Work Together
Initial alignment: Meet/email around any gaps you've already identified and what you need support with.
Fast-track Diligence: Typical turnaround times of 1 business day following receipt of required information for diligence.
Findings and Debrief: Recommendations and any potential next steps.
Reach Out: Schedule a call on Calendly or email me directly at Irina at kukuyevaconsulting.com.
How I Charge
How I Charge
Sliding scale of cash and carry, depending on how the fund is structured and the type of support you need.
Please note: The only industries I don't support are cannabis and crypto.
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