How this founder’s unlikely path to Silicon Valley could become an edge in industrial tech

At just 24 years old, Thomas Lee Young stands out as an atypical Silicon Valley entrepreneur. As the CEO of Interface, a San Francisco-based startup leveraging AI to enhance safety in industrial settings, he combines a Caribbean accent with a Chinese surname—a mix that he finds amusing during introductions. Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, a hub for oil and gas exploration, Young was surrounded by a family of engineers, reaching back to his great-grandfather who emigrated from China. This rich heritage has become a pivotal element of his narrative when pitching to industry executives, showcasing a journey that is anything but conventional and arguably providing his company with a competitive advantage. Young’s fascination with technology began at the age of 11, fixating on Caltech as if he were much older. He consumed media about Silicon Valley, captivated by the limitless possibilities of building innovative solutions in America. His determination paid off when he secured admission to Caltech in 2020, but the onset of COVID-19 brought unexpected challenges. Visa issues and a significant market downturn decimated his college fund, compelling him to pivot to a more affordable mechanical engineering program at the University of Bristol in the UK. However, his aspirations for Silicon Valley remained steadfast. During his time at Bristol, Young landed an internship with Jaguar Land Rover, where he delved into human factors engineering—focusing on the user experience and safety design of industrial systems. It was here that he identified a critical issue: the inadequate tools many companies use for safety documentation, often outdated or poorly designed, which could jeopardize worker safety. When his proposal for a solution at Jaguar was rejected, Young took bold steps to forge his own path. He applied to Entrepreneur First (EF), a talent incubator known for its rigorous selection process, successfully pitching himself despite the odds. His journey led him to co-found Interface with Aaryan Mehta, a fellow entrepreneur with a complementary background in AI and engineering. Interface’s mission is straightforward yet impactful: utilize AI to improve safety in heavy industry. By autonomously auditing operating procedures against regulations and corporate policies, their software can identify potentially life-threatening errors. In just two and a half months at one Canadian energy company, Interface uncovered over 10,800 errors in standard operating procedures—savings in both time and money that would have otherwise taken years to achieve manually. Young’s youth and diverse background, which some might view as hindrances in a traditionally conservative industry, have instead become assets. He often encounters skepticism from seasoned executives, but he quickly earns their respect by demonstrating his deep understanding of their operations and articulating how Interface can save them significant resources. Currently, Interface employs a small team and is rapidly expanding to meet increasing demands from clients in the energy sector across various regions, including the U.S. and South America. Young's experience in Silicon Valley, filled with the intensity and dynamic energy he once dreamed of, contrasts sharply with the tranquility of his upbringing in Trinidad. Yet, he relishes the challenges and opportunities his new life presents. While balancing the pressures of a startup, Young reflects on the stark differences between the life he envisioned and the reality he faces—long hours driven by innovation and the occasional exhilarating trip to an oil rig. Yet, he remains committed to his mission, feeling empowered and ready to tackle the demands of the future.