UPDATE: Thomas Lee Young, a 24-year-old entrepreneur from Trinidad and Tobago, is shaking up the industrial tech landscape with his startup, Interface, based in San Francisco. The company is leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance safety in heavy industries, making headlines for its rapid deployment in major energy sectors.
Just announced, Interface has already identified 10,800 errors in safety procedures for a major Canadian energy firm, a feat accomplished in less than three months. Young’s innovative approach could save the company over $35 million by automating audits of operating procedures that are often outdated and riddled with errors.
Young’s unique background provides him a distinct edge in a field traditionally dominated by seasoned executives. Raised in a family of engineers in Trinidad, he developed a passion for technology early on, eventually gaining admission to Caltech in 2020. However, the pandemic forced him to pivot to a more affordable engineering program at the University of Bristol in the UK, where he honed his skills in human factors engineering at Jaguar Land Rover.
Despite initial hurdles, Young refused to abandon his Silicon Valley dreams. He applied to Entrepreneur First, a talent incubator, where he met his co-founder Aaryan Mehta. Their shared international experiences fueled a partnership that now drives Interface’s ambitious vision.
“Who the hell is this young guy and how does he know what he’s talking about?” Young recalls executives initially questioning him. However, once he demonstrates his understanding of their operations and the potential savings, skepticism turns into support.
The numbers are staggering. Interface’s contracts, including one worth over $2.5 million annually with a key Canadian energy client, highlight the urgent need for improved safety technology in the industry. With an estimated 27,000 oil and gas service companies in the U.S. alone, the market potential is enormous.
Young’s journey is a compelling narrative of resilience and innovation. He emphasizes the importance of staying connected to the field, often visiting oil rigs to understand the challenges workers face. “I feel pretty strong,” he states, reflecting on the intense pace of building and hiring necessary to meet demand.
As Interface continues to grow, its impact on the industrial sector is becoming increasingly clear. Young’s story is not just about technology; it’s about transforming lives through safer working environments.
With a dedicated team of eight, Interface aims to expand its influence in the oil and gas industry while exploring opportunities in other sectors. This moment is pivotal—not just for Young and his startup but for the future of industrial safety as a whole.
Stay tuned for further updates as this innovative company continues to make waves in Silicon Valley and beyond.
