Jon Nordmark is an influencer

Co-founder, CEO @ Iterate.ai ( 🔐 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗜 ) + co-founder, CEO @ eBags ( $1.6B products sold )

Littleton, Colorado, United States
30K followers 500+ connections

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About

* E&Y Entrepreneur of Year, Rcky Mtn Rgn
* Colorado CEO of the Year, CTA
* LinkedIn Top Voice for 20+ tech articles
* Lifetime Achievement Award, CTA


Iterate awards:
☆ 20 Hottest AI Software Companies, Channel Reseller News (CRN) 2025
☆ Best Workplaces for Innovators 2024: AI and Robotics, Iterate.ai, Fast Company 2024
☆ KW World AI 100 in 2024, 2025
☆ Technology of the Year Awards: AI and machine learning: Models, Iterate.ai InfoWorld 2024
☆ Best in Business for AI and Data, Iterate.ai, Inc. Magazine 2023, 2024
☆ Company of the Year, Iterate.ai, Colorado Technology Association, 2024
☆ CEO of the Year, Iterate.ai, Colorado Technology Association, 2025
☆ Lifetime Achvmt Award | CO Tech Assoc.

eBags awards:
☆ Dirct Mktng Assoc Website of Yr, eBags: 2001, 02, 04, 06, 07, 08

My current mission is to empower action-oriented executives with AI.

My company, Iterate.ai, built Interplay, a patented low-code AI platform that enables enterprises to rapidly build and deploy AI solutions across the entire Generative AI stack—from infrastructure to models to applications—even on resource-constrained edge devices and securely behind firewalls. Trusted by tech leaders like IBM, Intel, and PureSoft, as well as enterprises like Ulta Beauty and MUFG (Japan’s largest bank), Iterate unlocks AI opportunities at every level. From custom AI development to ready-to-use applications like Generate—all built on Interplay—Iterate scales through a recurring software licensing model that drives high gross margins. With its ability to build and deploy networks of AI agents, Iterate.ai is uniquely positioned to lead the next wave of Agentic AI.

Iterate.ai:
Founded: 2013
AI Focus: Iterate.ai — February 2015
Funding: $3 million up to 2023, $7 million more in late 2024-5 (primarily angel investors)
-- We are very capital-efficient and inventive
Employees and Contractors: 109, mostly engineers (as of Mar 2025)
Primary Offices: San Jose, CA and Denver, CO

As the co-founder and CEO of Iterate.ai, my team of innovators and creators help enterprises accelerate AI adoption and digital transformation. Thanks to my 25+ years of experience in online retail and e-commerce, I have a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of customers and businesses in the digital age. Since 2015, we've been solving challenges by applying AI.

Articles by Jon

Activity

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Experience

  • Iterate.ai Graphic

    Co-founder, CEO

    Iterate.ai

    - Present 12 years 6 months

    Colorado, United States

    Iterate.ai delivers full-stack private AI solutions built specifically for enterprise giants.

    What do we mean by "full-stack"? We're talking end-to-end optimization across the infrastructure backbone, the core AI models, and the application layers that bring it all to life.

    "Private" is the real game-changer: We equip major corporations to truly own their AI stack—from custom models and dedicated hardware to proprietary apps. No data sharing, no compromises. In this explosive AI…

    Iterate.ai delivers full-stack private AI solutions built specifically for enterprise giants.

    What do we mean by "full-stack"? We're talking end-to-end optimization across the infrastructure backbone, the core AI models, and the application layers that bring it all to life.

    "Private" is the real game-changer: We equip major corporations to truly own their AI stack—from custom models and dedicated hardware to proprietary apps. No data sharing, no compromises. In this explosive AI age, that's non-negotiable for rock-solid governance, safety, and security.

    As for the "AI" part, we cover the full spectrum: language models, vision models, secure and enterprise-grade vibe coding, GPUs, NPUs, CPUs, computer vision, and way more. We've been pioneering AI this since 2015, when our name became Iterate.ai.

    Bonus cred 1: We've earned technical validation as partners with heavy-hitters like NetApp, IBM, NVIDIA, Intel, Qualcomm, HPE, Dell, FUJIFILM and beyond. Our customers run the gamut—from global banking titan MUFG to trendy cosmetics brand e.l.f. Beauty to security powerhouse Tarian.

    Bonus cred 2: CRN spotlighted us as one of just three startups on their 2025 roster of the 20 Hottest AI Software Companies.

  • Colorado Technology Association Graphic

    Board Member

    Colorado Technology Association

    - Present 4 years 4 months

    Colorado, United States

  • eBags.com (acquired by Samsonite) Graphic

    Co-founder, CEO, Chairman

    eBags.com (acquired by Samsonite)

    - 19 years

    Greenwood Village, CO

    After selling 29 million bags (worth $1.65 billion), eBags was acquired by Samsonite in 2017. Annual revenues were $164 million, exceeding $1.5 million per employee. eBags brand (private label) was 25% of sales. About 70% of products were drop shipped ... fueling a 120 day negative cash conversion cycle and growth that was funded by customer credit cards.

    During my final 8 years as CEO (2001 to 2008), we grew profitably at a 34% CAGR. Customers wrote more than 1.4 million product…

    After selling 29 million bags (worth $1.65 billion), eBags was acquired by Samsonite in 2017. Annual revenues were $164 million, exceeding $1.5 million per employee. eBags brand (private label) was 25% of sales. About 70% of products were drop shipped ... fueling a 120 day negative cash conversion cycle and growth that was funded by customer credit cards.

    During my final 8 years as CEO (2001 to 2008), we grew profitably at a 34% CAGR. Customers wrote more than 1.4 million product reviews making eBags a trusted retailer. We operated TUMI.com and CaseLogic.com, in addition to eBags, in the U.S., U.K., and Japan. We also built 6pm.com, acquired by Zappos and owned today by Amazon.

    eBags' first profitable month was August 2001, just ahead of the 9/11 World Trade Center tragedy, which greatly dampened luggage sales for more than 6 months. Our first profitable quarter was in 2002 after growing through the dot-bomb recession and the months following the 9/11 terrorist attack.

    We raised $30 million prior to the dot-bomb and took great pride in reaching profitability, growing 34% per year by continually reinventing our marketing efforts, and never doing a down round.

    Awards:
    @ Website of the Year from the Direct Marketing Association in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008;
    @ Entrepreneur of the Year from Ernst & Young, 2003, Rocky Mountain Region;
    @ Company of the Year in 2003 from Colorado Business (magazine);
    @ Top customer satisfaction scores (Circle of Excellence) from BizRate twice (based on shopper scores of >50,000 websites).

    Co-founder, CEO and Chair from 1998 to 2008; Chairman from 2008 until acquired in 2017.

  • Runa Inc. (acquired by Staples) Graphic

    Advisor; Investor ... many startups

    Runa Inc. (acquired by Staples)

    - 6 years 7 months

    San Francisco Bay Area

    Angel investor in A/B testing optimizer Clearhead (acquired 2017, Accenture), BazaarVoice (pre-IPO, 2012), Swiftpage/ACT! (acquired 2018), RedTricycle (acquired 2020), Verblio.com (exit 2012), Yottaa (exit 2022), Platform9, AX3.

    5x LP in LeadEdgeCapital.com ... invests in growth-stage software, internet, and consumer pre-IPO businesses like Spotify, Uber, Bla Bla Car, and Alibaba. Top performing PE in 2022 according to Pitchbook.

    Chairperson of the Advisory Board for Runa…

    Angel investor in A/B testing optimizer Clearhead (acquired 2017, Accenture), BazaarVoice (pre-IPO, 2012), Swiftpage/ACT! (acquired 2018), RedTricycle (acquired 2020), Verblio.com (exit 2012), Yottaa (exit 2022), Platform9, AX3.

    5x LP in LeadEdgeCapital.com ... invests in growth-stage software, internet, and consumer pre-IPO businesses like Spotify, Uber, Bla Bla Car, and Alibaba. Top performing PE in 2022 according to Pitchbook.

    Chairperson of the Advisory Board for Runa (acquired 2017, Staples), shareholder and advisor to TurnTo.com (bootstrapped to 80 employees, exit 2022).

    As of 2024, an LP in a fund that owns stakes in four NBA teams: Charlotte, Minnesota, Atlanta, and Sacramento. Blue Owl was the first private equity firm approved by the NBA to acquire passive, minority stakes in multiple franchises.

    My company, Iterate, also became a shareholder in Attentive ($6b unicorn) and BlueCore ($1b unicorn, exit in 2021 secondary offering).

    I don't seek investments. Usually, I invest to support my friends, and I've been fortunate enough to come out ahead. As of 2025, I've made about 30 angel investments.

    More info: https://signal.nfx.com/investors/jon-nordmark

    Between 2009 and 2013, I worked with dozens of emerging tech startups. Many from TechStars (Boulder), Founder Institute (Palo Alto), and an Eastern European Accelerator, where I was a Board Member for 3 years.

  • Colorado Technology Association Graphic

    Board Member

    Colorado Technology Association

    - 9 years 9 months

    Denver, Colorado, United States

  • 6pm.com (acquired by Zappos) Graphic

    CEO

    6pm.com (acquired by Zappos)

    - 4 years 2 months

    Greater Denver Area

    Acquired by Zappos, from eBags, in 2007.

  • Deming Center for Entrepreneurship Graphic

    Board Member

    Deming Center for Entrepreneurship

    - 2 years 1 month

    Boulder, Colorado, United States

  • Samsonite Graphic

    Senior Director of Product Management, N. & S. America

    Samsonite

    - 4 years 4 months

    Product positioning, pricing, and development for 21 distribution channels (Premium, Department Stores, Military, etc). Marketing, collateral development, sales force training. About 1,200 products continually in circulation and being replaced. Worked primarily in the U.S., but also in Hong Kong, China, Europe, Mexico and Argentina.

Education

Volunteer Experience

  • Volunteer

    AI Task Force - Colorado Governor + Legislature Appointed (volunteer)

    - 9 months

    Politics

    The task force examines issues related to AI and must report recommendations to the Joint Technology Committee and the Governor's Office by February 1, 2025.

    • Collaborating with a bi-partisan group to examine issues related to artificial intelligence and provide recommendations to the Joint Technology Committee and the Governor's Office.

    • Helping fine-tune the initial wide-reaching AI regulation law in Colorado (SB 205).

    • In a political environment, trying to contribute…

    The task force examines issues related to AI and must report recommendations to the Joint Technology Committee and the Governor's Office by February 1, 2025.

    • Collaborating with a bi-partisan group to examine issues related to artificial intelligence and provide recommendations to the Joint Technology Committee and the Governor's Office.

    • Helping fine-tune the initial wide-reaching AI regulation law in Colorado (SB 205).

    • In a political environment, trying to contribute to the development of strategies to address AI-related challenges and opportunities in the state while maintaining the state's leadership in entrepreneurship.

Skills

Patents

  • TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITY MAPPING

    Issued US 12,086,820

    A system for evaluating technology offerings of one or more companies. A database includes a plurality of available technologies associated with one or more tags categorizing the available technology. A user interface receives user input specifying one or more technology parameters. A correlation engine returns one or more available technologies from the database based on a correlation between the one or more received technology parama system for evaluating technology offerings of one or more…

    A system for evaluating technology offerings of one or more companies. A database includes a plurality of available technologies associated with one or more tags categorizing the available technology. A user interface receives user input specifying one or more technology parameters. A correlation engine returns one or more available technologies from the database based on a correlation between the one or more received technology parama system for evaluating technology offerings of one or more companies. A database includes a plurality of available technologies associated with one or more tags categorizing the available technology. A user interface receives user input specifying one or more technology parameters. A correlation engine returns one or more available technologies from the database based on a correlation between the one or more received technology parameters and the one or more tags associated with the one or more available technologies. A landscape engine groups the one or more available technologies based on tags and generates an interactive technology opportunity map for display on the user interface.

    Other inventors
    See patent
  • INDEXING ENTITIES BASED ON PERFORMANCE METRICS

    Issued US 11341517

    A method of comparing performance of a first entity and a second entity uses performance indexing based on comparable performance metrics. A first entity performance rate and a first growth ability for the first entity are determined based on a first plurality of entity characteristics for the first entity. The first performance rate and the first growth ability are weighted based of the first plurality of entity characteristics and a first entity index value is determined based on the weighted…

    A method of comparing performance of a first entity and a second entity uses performance indexing based on comparable performance metrics. A first entity performance rate and a first growth ability for the first entity are determined based on a first plurality of entity characteristics for the first entity. The first performance rate and the first growth ability are weighted based of the first plurality of entity characteristics and a first entity index value is determined based on the weighted first performance rate and first growth ability. A comparison between the first entity and the second entity is generated using the first entity index value and a second entity index value for the second entity.

    Other inventors
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  • METHOD FOR VIEWING THE CAPACITY OF BAGS

    Issued US WO2005072463

    An on-line shopping method to provide capacity information for the sales of bags is provided herein. More specifically, a user can select indications of various displayed items and, in response, the system provides an indication as to whether the items would fit within the bag or not (74), along with an indication of the capacity remaining and the capacity filled in the bag (78). The method also provides packing lists for items that would fit within the bag (90) and correspond to use of the bag…

    An on-line shopping method to provide capacity information for the sales of bags is provided herein. More specifically, a user can select indications of various displayed items and, in response, the system provides an indication as to whether the items would fit within the bag or not (74), along with an indication of the capacity remaining and the capacity filled in the bag (78). The method also provides packing lists for items that would fit within the bag (90) and correspond to use of the bag for a particular purpose. While shopping on-line, the user can view testimonial information from others concerning their use of and opinions relating to the same product to assist in making a purchase.

    Other inventors
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  • RETRACTABLE AUXILIARY LUGGAGE CASE ATTACHMENT AND SECURITY TETHER MECHANISM AND METHOD

    Issued CA CA2196689

    An attachment mechanism (22) comprises a clutch mechanism (34), an elongated flexible strap (28) having an inner end fixed to the clutch mechanism (34) and an outer end (44) attached to a hook (32), the clutch mechanism (34) being spring biased to pull the strap (28) onto the clutch mechanism (34) and retract the hook (32) to the clutch mechanism (34). A lid (36) is pivotally mounted adjacent to the clutch mechanism (34) and has an open position where the hook (32) and strap (28) are…

    An attachment mechanism (22) comprises a clutch mechanism (34), an elongated flexible strap (28) having an inner end fixed to the clutch mechanism (34) and an outer end (44) attached to a hook (32), the clutch mechanism (34) being spring biased to pull the strap (28) onto the clutch mechanism (34) and retract the hook (32) to the clutch mechanism (34). A lid (36) is pivotally mounted adjacent to the clutch mechanism (34) and has an open position where the hook (32) and strap (28) are accessible, and a closed position where the lid (36) covers the clutch mechanism (34) and the strap (28) or hook (32) to the extent that the strap (28) is retracted onto the clutch mechanism (34). The lid (36) engages the clutch mechanism (34) in the open position to release the clutch mechanism (34) whereby the strap (28) can be extended from the clutch mechanism (34) and engages the clutch mechanism (34) in the closed position to hinder movement of the clutch mechanism (34) and fix the length of extension of the strap (28).

    See patent
  • GENERATION OF ENTITY PLANS COMPRISING GOALS AND NODES

    Filed 63/489,137

    Systems and related methods to generate plans for an entity based on a set of goals and/or using one or more nodes (“system” or “plan generation system”). As used herein, a “plan” can be a set of goals, actions, and/or nodes associated with an entity. A plan can take various forms, such as a graphical representation in a grid or graph format, as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, a plan can be represented or stored as a table, spreadsheet, or delimited file. In some…

    Systems and related methods to generate plans for an entity based on a set of goals and/or using one or more nodes (“system” or “plan generation system”). As used herein, a “plan” can be a set of goals, actions, and/or nodes associated with an entity. A plan can take various forms, such as a graphical representation in a grid or graph format, as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, a plan can be represented or stored as a table, spreadsheet, or delimited file. In some implementations, a plan can comprise a set of tables in a relational database, such as a set of tables having defined relationships among themselves. In some implementations, a plan can be a technology road map for one or more technologies to be adopted and/or developed by the entity, such as technologies to achieve goals in the set of goals and/or perform identified actions. For example, a technology road map can comprise a set of technologies that, when adopted or developed by a business, improve customer experience of using a mobile application of the business. ...

    Other inventors
  • TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITY MAPPING

    Filed US 17/031623

    A system for evaluating technology offerings of one or more companies. A database includes a plurality of available technologies associated with one or more tags categorizing the available technology. A user interface receives user input specifying one or more technology parameters. A correlation engine returns one or more available technologies from the database based on a correlation between the one or more received technology parameters and the one or more tags associated with the one or…

    A system for evaluating technology offerings of one or more companies. A database includes a plurality of available technologies associated with one or more tags categorizing the available technology. A user interface receives user input specifying one or more technology parameters. A correlation engine returns one or more available technologies from the database based on a correlation between the one or more received technology parameters and the one or more tags associated with the one or more available technologies. A landscape engine groups the one or more available technologies based on tags and generates an interactive technology opportunity map for display on the user interface.

    Other inventors
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Honors & Awards

  • Linkedin Top Voices 2017

    Linkedin

    Each year, Linkedin gives roughly 190 writers the distinction of Top Voice after reviewing articles published by roughly 3 million professionals on Linkedin's blogging platform. Linkedin evaluates metrics including shares, likes, comments, and readership on those published articles, and then each year Linkedin recognizes writers whose articles get high levels of engagement.

  • Bob Newman Lifetime Achievement Award, 2009

    Colorado Software and Internet Association

    Given to people who have made outstanding achievements and commitments to furthering innovative technology in our community and the state, while contributing to the initiatives of Colorado Technology Association. Bob Newman, JB Holston, Brad Feld and others have been recognized.

  • Retail Website of the Year 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008

    Multichannel Merchant, Direct Marketing Association

    Each year, all facets of a Website were judged: from home page design and type elements to search functions and general navigation, as well as merchandising, copy, and customer service.

    Of ~400 companies were judged each year, eBags was given the highest overall score in 6 of 8 years: 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008.

    Other award winners got Gold Awards -- they received an average of at least 9 points on a scale of 1 to 10. Silver Award winners had an average score of…

    Each year, all facets of a Website were judged: from home page design and type elements to search functions and general navigation, as well as merchandising, copy, and customer service.

    Of ~400 companies were judged each year, eBags was given the highest overall score in 6 of 8 years: 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008.

    Other award winners got Gold Awards -- they received an average of at least 9 points on a scale of 1 to 10. Silver Award winners had an average score of 7-8.9 points.

  • #9 of 300 retailers | 2007 Retail Customer Experience Study | Conversion Rate Optimization & Marketing Blog | FutureNow

    Future Now

    To analyze the extent to which websites focus on the customer experience, Future Now sent mystery shoppers and Conversion Analysts to over 300 retail websites to gather information for our 2007 Retail Customer Experience Study. eBags ranked #9 overall and #1 in Apparel and Fashion.

    http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/11/26/cyber-monday-future-nows-2007-retail-customer-experience-study/

  • Retail Website of the Year, Multichannel Merchant Awards

    Direct Marketing Association

  • Retail Website of the Year, Multichannel Merchant Awards

    Direct Marketing Association

  • eBags is #5 of 89 retailers (online shopping experience, 2005)

    ClickZ, Blast Radius

    Retailers, Clean Up Your Online Stores | Enid Burns | November 29, 2005
    by ClickZ, Blast Radius

    Many e-tail sites lack cohesion with their brick-and-mortar presence, others turn customers away with difficult navigation; complex return procedures and omitted site features. Online shopping experiences vary, even among the high-revenue earners on the Internet Retailer's Top 400 Retail Web Sites list.

  • Retail Website of the Year, Multichannel Merchant Awards

    Direct Marketing Association

  • Colorado Company of the Year, Technology, 2003

    Colorado Business Magazine: CoBiz

    Companies are judged on Financial Performance, Community Involvement, and Outstanding Achievement.

  • Entrepreneur of the Year, Rocky Mountain Region, 2003

    Ernst & Young

    The program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

  • 40 under 40, Colorado

    Denver Business Journal

  • Retail Website of the Year, Multichannel Merchant Awards

    Direct Marketing Association

  • 40 under 40, Colorado

    Denver Business Journal

  • Retail Website of the Year, Multichannel Merchant Awards

    Direct Marketing Association

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