Kaivan Karimi

About Kaivan Karimi

I am a technology leader and a hands-on builder passionate about growing businesses in Automotive, Transportation, and Industrial/MFG. My role is focused on global partner management for Mobility (65%), and OT cybersecurity for MFG and Mobility globally at Microsoft’s Industry Solutions team.I have a deep understanding of the technologies and trends from base semiconductor technologies and full-stack to the cloud. I am currently active in the intersection of AI, OT Cybersecurity, Functional Safety, and Software Defined Products, and formulating partnerships for growth in these segments. My Gen AI enabled OT security reference architectures (IT/OT converged SOC, Machine Identity behind DMZ, Graph based OT Security, etc.) are being implemented in some of the most complex Manufacturing operations. I have a unique blend of business acumen, technical and domain knowledge, and excel at technical/consultative sales and technical business development. I also have a roll-up-the-sleeves leadership style that turns strategies into action with successful operational results. An avid “learn it all” and intellectually curious, I have been an IIoT/MFG, Automotive/AV, Safety and Cybersecurity evangelist since 2009. I am a thought leader and blogger, and I have flown 6.5M+ base miles, presenting at Technology and Business forums, keynotes, and expert panels. My platinum skills are: 1) Growth through partnerships and new business models. 2) Setting KPIs, change, and adaptation management.Domain Knowledge- AI enabled MFG & Auto Safety and OT Security across categories, DevSecOps, Compliance- Azure Cloud-Native technologies, SaaS, PaaS, IaaS- Harness AI for improving productivity through digital twins of simulations and operations for Design, MFG, and Sales & Marketing- NVIDIA\'s Omniverse Cloud (OVC), DGX, AI Enterprise, NIMs, NeMo, Isaac Sim- Semiconductors, System Boards, and Embedded Systems Professional Skills- Growth through strategic partnerships co-sell and channels- Technical sales and business development- Spotting new trends, & growth strategies- Building & managing SI & ISV co-sell X-functional teams- Leading scaled GTM motions via insights into performance- Microsoft SI & ISV partner sell-with and sell-to ecosystem- Product launch, field enablement, and GTM execution- Industry market development & thought leadershipMy life philosophy is mirrored in Wayne Gretzky’s quote, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”.US Citizen: BSEE, MSEE, MBA

Experience

1. Strategic Partnerships and Gtm Strategy

   Cerence AI

   Oct 2025 — Present · Austin, TX, US

   Strategic partnerships and GTM strategy @Cerence

Education

• Alliance of Mergers & Acquisition Advisors

  Executive Education: Certified M&A Advisor, CM&AA

• Kellogg Executive Education

  Executive Education: Mergers & Acquisition

  2007

• Florida Atlantic University

  BS & MS, Electrical Engineering

• Baylor University - Hankamer School of Business

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Finance, International Business

Skills

• Wireless Infrastructure
• Industrial Markets
• Strategic Negotiations
• Go-to-Market Strategy
• M&a Execution & Integration
• Strategic Partnerships
• Perception Management
• Microcontrollers
• Product Technical Marketing
• Management Consulting
• Wifi
• Product Management
• System & Architecture
• International Project Management
• Divestitures
• Cellular Platforms (Bb, Rf, Pmic, Sw Stack, Apps)
• Sensor Fusion
• Wireless Networking
• Marketing
• International Business Development
• M&a Analysis
• Iot Cloud Ecosystem
• International M&a
• Cloud Infrastructure
• Strategy
• Corporate Development
• Deal Hunting
• Wireless
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Bluetooth
• Semiconductor Industry
• Global Strategy Development
• Design Productivity Improvements
• Mobile Devices
• Embedded Software
• Connectivity Solutions
• Operational Efficiency
• Interactions with Board of Directors
• Cloud Computing
• Problem Formulation & Solving