Yuri Cataldo is a research scientist at Autodesk Research and the co-founder of Athenian Capital, a data-first venture firm focused on dual-use and deep technology investments. He specializes in AI competitive intelligence, venture strategy, and market analysis, advising startups and enterprises on scaling, positioning, and investment decision-making. With an MBA from MIT and an MFA from Yale University, Yuri brings a distinctive blend of analytical rigor, entrepreneurial insight, and creative thinking to emerging technology ecosystems.

At Autodesk, Yuri leads AI competitive intelligence, helping organizations understand why many well-funded AI startups fail and what differentiates those that succeed. He has evaluated more than 50 AI companies representing over $1 billion in cumulative funding and brings practical perspective shaped by both successful investments and hard-earned lessons from failed ventures. In parallel, he supports early-stage deep tech companies as an angel investor and strategic advisor, bridging research insight with real-world execution. As a Senior Executive Fellow in Digital Assets and Blockchain at The Digital Economist, Yuri contributes thought leadership at the intersection of AI, venture strategy, and decentralized technologies. His work focuses on helping emerging companies and institutions move from technical promise to sustainable commercial impact, grounding innovation in disciplined analysis, market reality, and long-term value creation.