How I Turned a Passion for AI into a Startup Selected for the UCLA Anderson Venture Accelerator in 2025

In 2020, I found myself staring at the job market, trying to understand how it had gotten so frustrating—so broken. As a student at UCLA, I felt the weight of the uncertainty: how do you stand out when everyone feels equally qualified, but the system doesn’t notice you? This led me to found WorkUp—a platform designed to level the playing field for job seekers and businesses alike through the power of AI. Fast forward to today, and I’m excited to share that WorkUp has been selected for the prestigious 2025 UCLA Anderson Venture Accelerator!

The Spark That Started It All

I’m no stranger to the overwhelming struggle of job hunting. For too many talented people, the journey is like shouting into a void— with thousands of applications going into the top companies its so easy to get overlooked and rejected. It became clear: the job market needs fixing. I wanted to use AI to give job seekers the tools to break through this barrier, making their qualifications impossible to overlook. That's how WorkUp came to be.

Our Vision: More Than Just a Job Search

At WorkUp, we’re not just another job board. We’re creating a community-driven platform where AI doesn’t just automate; it transforms the entire job-search experience. Whether it’s personalized resume templates tailored for specific industries, LinkedIn profile suggestions, or interview prep that aligns with market trends, WorkUp helps users not just apply for jobs—but actually prepare for their next career step with confidence.

Imagine logging in and instantly accessing an AI-powered resume that instantly adapts to any job you apply to, agents to auto-fill applications & auto-apply to jobs, and tailored interview preparation designed to match current employer expectations all at the touch of a button. This is more than just functionality; it's the bridge from job seeker to confident, prepared candidate.

The Business Side of Things

From the start, I understood the challenge employers face as well—filtering through a sea of applications can be time and resource intensive. That’s where WorkUp’s AI-driven recruitment tools come into play. By automating the initial interview, we help businesses screen more candidates and cut down talent acquisition costs while connecting them with quality hires that truly fit the role.

In fact, companies using our technology can expect up to a 40% reduction in the time and money spent on hiring. WorkUp allows businesses to focus on what really matters—identifying the right talent, quickly and efficiently.

The Power of Mentorship and Support

Building WorkUp hasn’t been a solo journey. Through accelerators at Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and USC, I've had the privilege of learning from brilliant mentors who have shaped my understanding of both technology and entrepreneurship. UCLA Anderson’s Venture Accelerator has been a major stepping stone, offering invaluable resources and mentorship to help refine our approach. With their support, we’re poised to take WorkUp to the next level, impacting even more job seekers and businesses.

Facing Challenges with Resilience

No path to success is ever without its challenges, and for me, launching a tech startup has been no exception. Finding the right balance between feature innovation, user experience, and market needs required constant iteration based on feedback from our early users. Additionally, securing funding was another obstacle, but each setback made our mission stronger. Every time I refined our pitch or connected with an investor, I saw the possibility of something greater. WorkUp’s progress, even through difficult moments, is a testament to the resilience of our community and our commitment to empowering others.

Celebrating Milestones

Being selected for the UCLA Anderson Venture Accelerator is more than just a milestone for WorkUp—it’s a reflection of the hard work, the lessons learned, and the dedication to creating something that truly changes lives. It’s an endorsement that propels us forward, enabling us to refine our tech, scale our platform, and ultimately, help more people in their job search journeys.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Redefining Career Success

We’re not done yet. The next steps for WorkUp include expanding our AI capabilities to provide even more personalized experiences for both job seekers and businesses. We want to ensure that every interaction on our platform is meaningful and impactful.

Additionally, we’re committed to growing a vibrant, supportive community—one that fosters collaboration, skills development, and knowledge sharing through workshops, webinars, and career resources. We’re here to change the way people think about job searching—and that means continuing to innovate and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Final Thoughts

The journey from job seeker to CEO has reinforced my belief that empowerment through knowledge and support can reshape the future of careers. WorkUp is at the forefront of this transformation, and I couldn’t be more excited for the road ahead.

If you’re interested in following our journey, or if you want to feature WorkUp, contact us at media@joinworkup.com.

Together, let’s make job searching a more transparent, accessible, and empowering experience for everyone.

Let’s do this.