I switched from a corporate career to launching an AI-native company with no tech background. I knew the time was now.

Transitioning from a prestigious role at Walmart, the nation's leading Fortune 500 company, to launching an AI-focused startup has been a transformative journey for Tim DeSoto, a 49-year-old entrepreneur based in San Francisco. With no technical background, DeSoto embraced the rise of artificial intelligence, recognizing it as a pivotal opportunity in today's tech landscape. DeSoto's foray into entrepreneurship began last year when he found himself as the sole employee of his startup, driven by a desire to innovate and assist consumers in saving money during online shopping. His initial experience with coding was modest, but he utilized AI tools like Cursor, which have since evolved significantly, enabling him to refine his product with greater accuracy than before. His career path has been a series of calculated moves aimed at acquiring essential skills. Starting at The Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones, he honed his expertise in business growth before taking on a senior director role at Walmart, where he focused on business strategy and enhancing membership experiences. Throughout his career, DeSoto has consistently leveraged technology to empower users, a passion he reignited with the advent of generative AI. As he immersed himself in the AI community, attending meetups and learning from peers, he recognized a generational shift in technology. The emergence of tools like ChatGPT fueled his determination to take the plunge into entrepreneurship. Although he has some regrets about not studying computer science, he found ways to navigate his lack of technical expertise by using AI to assist in the development of his shopping companion app. The product aims to elevate the online shopping experience by offering users a browser extension that highlights the best deals across multiple platforms. Features include a smart shopping list and optimization tools designed to enhance consumer savings. With plans to launch during the holiday season, DeSoto is optimistic about the future and sees his venture as a low-risk strategy in an unpredictable job market. Emphasizing resilience, DeSoto encourages others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, stating that even if challenges arise, the lessons learned will be invaluable for future endeavors. His story exemplifies the spirit of innovation and adaptability in the face of change, inspiring aspiring founders to follow their passions.