From Šentjošt nad Horjulom to Silicon Valley

The success of Slovenian scientist Jure Leskovec in Silicon Valley has roots stretching back over half a century. Leskovec, a data scientist born in 1980, is a co-founder of Kumo AI, a startup established in Mountain View, California, in 2021. The company emerged during a time when artificial intelligence, particularly large language models, had not yet become a daily feature in global headlines.

Kumo AI recently underwent a valuation of approximately 400 million euros. The company has now been acquired by Nvidia, a tech giant located just a short drive east of Kumo AI's operations. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Leskovec and his venture, placing it within a major player in the technology industry.

Artificial intelligence was recognized by Time magazine as the "Personality of the Year" in 2025, acknowledging its growing impact. While the magazine's cover could not accommodate all the key figures in the field, Leskovec's role as a co-founder of a successful AI startup highlights his contribution to this transformative technology. His journey from Slovenia to the heart of Silicon Valley exemplifies the global reach and impact of scientific innovation.