Alex Castrounis’ Home Page

Founder of Why of AI, NU Kellogg MBAi Professor, Author, TEDx Speaker

Former INDYCAR Engineer, Race Strategist, & Data Scientist

Where to Connect

Meet Alex

Alex Castrounis is the founder and CEO of Why of AI, a book author on AI, and a professor of AI for Northwestern University's Kellogg & McCormick MBAi program. He has over two decades of experience advising startups to Fortune 100 companies on using data, analytics, and AI models to drive business growth and customer success.

Alex is also a former INDYCAR engineer, race strategist, and data scientist who drove winning results for teams such as Andretti Autosport in world-renowned races, including the Indy 500. His experience applying analytics to make smarter, data-driven decisions in racing now helps businesses gain and maintain a competitive advantage in their industry.

Founder and CEO, Why of AI
Former INDYCAR Engineer, Race Strategist, Data Scientist
Adjunct Professor, Northwestern University Kellogg MBAi
Executive in Residence (EIR), UChicago Booth Polsky Center
Executive in Residence (EIR), 1871
Author of AI for People and Business
TEDx, SXSW, and Frequent Keynote Speaker
Advisory Board Member, Multiple Startups

Highlights and Accomplishments

What People Are Saying

STEPHANIE MILLER

CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER (CXO), 1871

“Alex is an excellent partner and has a proven track record, depth of expertise, and ability to talk to both technical and non-technical leaders. He has been an asset to 1871 and an amazing resource for our corporate partners.”

GARRETT SMITH

FOUNDER, GUILD AI

“Alex has an uncanny ability to distill the vast complexities of AI without over simplifying. He reaches deep into his technical background to find the right formula for a given business strategy. I can't think of a better guide to help executives navigate this challenging terrain.”

DAN PARK

GM AND DIRECTOR, UBER

“AI for People and Business is a must read for business executives and managers interested in learning about AI and unlocking its benefits. Alex has simplified complex topics so that anyone can begin to leverage AI within their organization.”

Some of the Organizations Our CEO Has Worked With

Photo Gallery

Alex Castrounis - Race Strategist and Engineer - Preparing for the Start of the 2006 Indianapolis 500
Alex Castrounis following his 2022 SXSW panel session entitled: A New Turing Test: Can AI Find a Missing Rabbit?
Alex Castrounis (middle, facing camera), Driver - Will Power (left), and Team Celebrating Winning the Historic 2008 Champ Car Finale in Long Beach
Alex Castrounis (upper right) - Race Strategist and Engineer - Featured in Racer Magazine for Davey Hamilton’s famed comeback Indianapolis 500 race following 23 surgeries to reconstruct his legs and feet after a horrific crash at the Texas Motor Speedway in 2001 | Reprinted from RACER Magazine
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