Introduction
Hello, I’m Pablo. I’m originally from Spain but currently based in Los Angeles, where I co-founded a generative AI startup called Hypothetic Inc. I serve as Chief Product Officer, which means I oversee everything related to our product—from designing the user experience and coding prototypes, to talking with customers and handling business development. This role perfectly blends my passion for art, design, and technology, and it keeps me on my toes each day. My journey was anything but straightforward. I moved to Germany for college and initially started studying Energy Engineering, but after two years, I realized it wasn’t the right fit and switched to Computational Physics. I had always dreamed of working for a space agency and even interned at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), but quickly realized it wasn’t my calling. Around that time, I discovered computer graphics and fell in love with the way it combined creativity and science. The switch to Computational Physics gave me a strong mathematical and scientific foundation, which made me stand out when I entered the tech industry.
My first real job involved building machine learning models for computer animation, even though I had no background in ML. Back then, it was still a very new field, and I had to learn everything on the fly. Before I knew it, I found myself working as an ML scientist, but I always saw ML as a means to an end: I wanted to create better, more intuitive tools for artists, including myself.
Eventually, I decided to start my own company and moved to Canada as the CEO of my first startup. I barely touched code there, focusing instead on building a business, raising funding, and learning how to turn ideas into products people want. Now, at Hypothetic Inc., I get to combine all those skills as head of product, creating next-generation tools for visual artists. The role demands flexibility, cross-disciplinary thinking, and fast execution—qualities I’ve embraced from my own winding path.
No one’s career path is perfectly linear, and mine certainly wasn’t. But by following my interests and being open to change, I found a fulfilling way to merge art, design, and cutting-edge tech. It’s a journey I’m excited to continue every single day.
Computer Science Fellow
career options
The Creative Technology/AI space merges art, design, and technology in ways that can feel both exciting and a bit daunting at first. Luckily, there are plenty of paths for you to work where these worlds converge. If you’re excited to combine imagination and AI with real-world impact, here are some roles you may consider:
Computer Science Fellow
skills
What are the main hard skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
I gained experience with Python both through academic projects and during my professional career. It serves as my main software development and scripting language ranging from data manipulation, to ML training and implementation, to prototyping of new features. Python’s versatility allows me to iterate rapidly and integrate smoothly with various tools and frameworks.
Learned through online tutorials and practical projects where I had to design and iterate on user interfaces quickly. I use Figma daily to create wireframes and high-fidelity prototypes, ensuring that the product’s user experience is both intuitive and visually engaging.
Streamlit is a Python-based framework that simplifies building interactive web apps, making it perfect for rapid prototyping and quick feedback. Developed proficiency by building internal demos and proof-of-concept tools. Streamlit allows me to quickly spin up interactive dashboards and prototypes, making it easier for all stakeholders to understand and align on the product vision.
Learned early in my career and continually refined through collaborative projects. Git is essential for version control, code reviews, and maintaining clear documentation, ensuring that a team can work seamlessly on shared repositories.
What are the main soft skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
I’ve honed my communication skills by working in multidisciplinary teams where technical and non-technical stakeholders need to share ideas seamlessly. This skill involves explaining complex AI concepts in accessible terms, as well as actively listening to feedback and incorporating it into product decisions. Clear communication reduces misunderstandings and ensures everyone remains aligned toward common goals.
My leadership abilities grew from founding startups and leading diverse teams. Day to day, this means setting a vision, delegating tasks effectively, and ensuring everyone feels motivated and supported. It also involves making tough decisions quickly, balancing input from various team members, and keeping the overall company mission in focus.
I developed this skill through my physics background, where you break down problems into their foundational concepts. In daily work, this approach helps me tackle challenges by analyzing them at their core rather than relying on conventional assumptions. Whether designing product features or troubleshooting complex ML models, first-principles thinking enables me to find innovative, efficient solutions.
Pablo
’s personal path
Tell us about your personal journey in
Computer Science Fellow
:
From an early age, I was equally drawn to art and science. I’d spend hours drawing and sketching, making short films, and experimenting with 3D modeling in Blender. At the same time, I was so fascinated by physics, in particular, general relativity that I’d read tons of textbooks and watch any lecture I could find about it—long before it was part of my formal education.
Towards the end of my bachelor’s program, I discovered how art and physics could merge. For my Master's thesis I built a tool that let artists direct fluid simulations—like smoke—using simple sketches. That project helped me land my first internship, and each opportunity after that built on the last. I gradually found my place at the intersection of design, technology, and science.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. I’ve failed plenty of interviews, and each rejection stung. I struggled with live coding sessions at interviews, and when aiming for more Product/Creative roles, it was sometimes hard just to even get an interview in the first place. Warm introductions often made all the difference.
But strangely enough, those setbacks were part of my motivation to start my own company, where I could focus on creating cool new things instead of sticking to traditional hiring processes. Eventually, I moved to the U.S. with my second startup to be closer to our clients, tap into the AI talent pool, and open an office in Los Angeles.
Looking back, I can see how every misstep taught me something about resilience, creative problem-solving, and staying true to what I love.
What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?
I would tell my younger self to dive into hands-on projects much earlier. Theoretical knowledge is important, but actually building things—no matter how small at first—teaches you nuances you can’t get from lectures alone. Each project, even the ones that fail, builds practical problem-solving skills and gives you something tangible to show future employers or collaborators.
The job market today is competitive, and trust has become a key factor in who gets hired or recommended. Building credibility through your personal network is essential, whether it’s with professors, coworkers, or communities you’re part of. Sometimes these connections happen naturally, but I’d strongly recommend actively working toward them.
Sharing your work and connecting with people who inspire you—or whom you inspire—can lead to referrals and opportunities you won’t find in job postings. In a world where everyone seems either brilliant or trying to be, having others vouch for you matters more than ever. That trust often grows within a community that values your passion and effort.
Final thoughts & tips
As you set out to build your career, remember that there isn’t just one “correct” path. Even if you change majors or industries along the way, what might feel like a detour can actually lead you to a place that aligns perfectly with your talents and interests. Sometimes luck does play a part, but it often shows up when you’ve put yourself out there through personal projects, networking, and genuine curiosity.
Don’t underestimate the power of your unique blend of skills and passions. Dive into hands-on work, create prototypes, contribute to open-source projects, or collaborate with classmates on side ventures. These experiences add depth to your portfolio and show the world what you can do without relying solely on a resume. And while skills are important, building real connections and credibility within your community can be a huge advantage.
People love to hire through recommendations because it fosters trust—and trust can be the deciding factor in a competitive field.
Ultimately, give yourself permission to experiment, fail, and learn. Every small setback or interview flop is a chance to refine your approach and discover more about yourself. Keep an open mind, push your creative boundaries, and stay committed to your passions. With each step forward—no matter how small—you’ll get closer to a career that feels like a true fit for your strengths, interests, and ambitions.
Resources to dig in more
Leetcode
Technical interview CS problems
Y Combinator Startup Library
Y Combinator’s startup resources website is a curated hub of articles, guides, and videos designed to help entrepreneurs at every stage build and grow successful companies.
Papers With Code
An essential resource that provides state-of-the-art papers along with their implementation code. Particularly valuable for understanding how theoretical concepts translate into practical code, with benchmarks and performance comparisons
INSPIRED: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love – 2nd Edition
Practical guide for product managers and teams, offering proven strategies to build successful tech products. It covers customer-centric design, team collaboration, and agile processes to deliver innovative solutions that truly meet user needs.
