About Alejandro Matamala Ortiz
Alejandro Matamala Ortiz is the Co-founder and Chief Design Officer (CDO) of Runway, a pioneering machine learning platform focused on generative AI for creative tools. Based in New York, he is a designer and programmer working at the intersection of design, technology, and creative intelligence. He frequently speaks at industry events about the transformative role of generative AI in media.
Career

Co-founder & Chief Design Officer
As a co-founder and Chief Design Officer, I lead the design and user experience strategy for Runway, a pioneering generative AI platform for creative professionals. I focus on translating complex machine learning research into intuitive, artist-friendly tools that redefine creative workflows. I played a key role in the development and launch of flagship products like Gen-1, Gen-2, and Gen-3 Alpha, driving the company's vision for the future of media creation.
Co-founded the company with Cristóbal Valenzuela and Anastasis Germanidis, growing it from a research project at NYU to a leading AI company valued at $1.5 billion. I secured significant venture capital funding and established Runway as a key player in the applied AI research space, focusing on the intersection of design, technology, and creative tools.
I actively contribute to the company's research initiatives, particularly in exploring new interfaces and interaction paradigms for generative media. I co-authored research papers, such as "Pioneering New Interfaces in the Age of Generative Media," guiding the industry's understanding of human-AI collaboration in creative fields.

Research Resident
Conducted advanced research focused on the intersection of design, technology, and machine learning, exploring how AI can augment human creativity. This residency provided the foundational research and collaborative environment that directly led to the conceptualization and founding of Runway.
Collaborated with faculty and fellow researchers on projects related to creative coding, interactive media, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. This work helped shape my design-first perspective on building intuitive AI experiences for artists and designers.

Founder
Founded Deenty, a digital platform focused on [specific industry not detailed, but inferred as a prior venture]. I was responsible for the overall product vision, design, and early-stage business development, gaining crucial experience in entrepreneurship and product-market fit.
Managed the initial team and oversaw the development of the platform, navigating the challenges of launching a new technology product. This experience provided a strong foundation for my later work in co-founding Runway.
Skills
Core technical and professional competencies at the intersection of design and machine learning.
Generative AI
Machine Learning
Creative AI Tools
Computer Vision
AI/ML Model Deployment
Product Design
UI/UX Design
Design Strategy
Prototyping
Creative Direction
Startup Leadership
Team Management
Product Vision
Strategic Planning
Cross-functional Collaboration
Domains
Generative AI, Creative Technology, Machine Learning, Video Editing Software
Design Tools, Software Development, Media & Entertainment
Tags
Visionary, Innovative, Designer-Programmer, Entrepreneurial, Thought Leader
Future of Media, Creative Intelligence, Technology, Design-Driven
Influencer Profile
Generative AI, Machine Learning, Design, Technology, Creative Tools
Twitter (7.4K), Instagram (2.1K)
Frequently Asked Questions
A factual summary of Alejandro Matamala Ortiz's professional background, focusing on his role as Co-founder and Chief Design Officer of Runway.
What is his current role at Runway?
When did he co-found Runway AI?
He co-founded the generative AI platform Runway in 2018 and has served as its Chief Design Officer since its inception.
What is his focus in generative AI?
His work is centered at the intersection of design, technology, and creative intelligence, specifically focusing on generative AI's role in media.
Did Alejandro Matamala attend New York University?
Yes, he was associated with New York University (NYU) from 2017 to 2018, which preceded the founding of Runway.
Where is Alejandro Matamala Ortiz based?
He is based in New York and frequently speaks at industry events regarding the transformative role of generative AI in media.


