ForgeUp experts

Edgar Velazquez is a senior AI/ML engineer and former co-founder of Noted Analytics, where he built AI-powered sales automation tools before successfully exiting in 2022. As a Senior Technical Lead at Better Call People, he focuses on optimizing proprietary LLMs and machine-learning models for accuracy, speed, and efficiency. He helps founders identify the technical leverage points where AI delivers the greatest business impact.

Jonah Lewis specializes in designing clean, automated revenue systems for early-stage companies. As the founder of Creo, he transforms fragmented databases and tech stacks into predictable, scalable GTM infrastructure. His background spans sales leadership, outbound execution, CRM rebuilds, lifecycle analytics, and AI-enabled workflow design across SaaS, e-commerce, industrial, and construction tech. He helps founders create revenue operations that scale smoothly and consistently drive traction.

Anthony Ward is a tech-focused marketer with more than twelve years of experience scaling SaaS companies and DTC brands—including propelling one organization to #101 on the Inc. 5000 and another to top category leadership. With training from Wharton Executive Education and deep expertise in HubSpot, automation, reporting, and workflow design, he builds marketing systems that make teams faster, more aligned, and more effective. His work centers on creating growth rooted in true customer understanding.

Mike Blankenship is the Managing Partner of Winston & Strawn’s Houston office and Co-Chair of the firm’s Capital Markets Practice. He advises startups and public companies on securities offerings, SPACs, venture capital transactions, M&A, and general corporate governance. Mike brings deep experience leading complex transactional and regulatory matters essential to scaling organizations.

Sumedha Ahuja, Co-Chair of Perkins Coie’s AI/ML practice, is recognized by Forbes, Chambers USA, and IAM for excellence in AI and patent law. With hands-on engineering experience building AI systems, she helps companies secure and defend IP across AI, fintech, blockchain, digital health, XR technologies, IoT, and cloud computing. She advises on portfolio strategy, infringement risk, monetization, and patent prosecution to ensure long-term defensibility aligned with business goals.