# Daniel First

> Daniel First is the founder and CEO of Axion (Axion Ray), an AI-powered quality intelligence platform that helps manufacturers detect, investigate, and resolve product issues before they reach customers. After watching enterprise AI pilots stall at analysis rather than action during his years at McKinsey and QuantumBlack, he built Axion to put AI directly in the hands of field engineers across aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and consumer goods. The New York company has raised $25M total, including a $17.5M Series A led by Bessemer Venture Partners with RTX Ventures, and counts Boeing, Cummins, Baxter, DENSO, Newell, and Pratt & Whitney among its customers.

- **Role:** Founder & CEO at Axion (Axion Ray)
- **Organizations:** Axion (Axion Ray), McKinsey & Company, QuantumBlack, Columbia Business School
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Bachelor's Degree, Yale University, Master's Degree, University of Cambridge, Master's Degree, Data Science, Columbia Engineering
- **Known for:** Founded and leads Axion, an AI quality intelligence platform used by Fortune 500 manufacturers, Raised $25M total funding including a $17.5M Series A led by Bessemer Venture Partners, Secured strategic investment from RTX Ventures, the venture arm of RTX (Raytheon)

## Career timeline

- **2017** — Joined McKinsey & Company in AI/Strategy, becoming an Engagement Manager leading consultants and data scientists on C-level initiatives
- **2017** — Joined QuantumBlack, the AI arm of McKinsey, working on machine learning and optimization in automotive and aerospace
- **2020** — Founded Axion (Axion Ray) and became CEO
- **2021** — Lectured on Enterprise AI Strategy at Columbia Business School; Axion incorporated
- **2023** — Axion Ray raised $7.5M to enhance product integrity at scale
- **2024** — Axion Ray raised $17.5M Series A led by Bessemer Venture Partners with RTX Ventures, reaching $25M total funding
- **2025** — Appeared on 'Inspired with Alexa von Tobel' podcast discussing AI-driven manufacturing quality

## Achievements

- Founded and leads Axion, an AI quality intelligence platform used by Fortune 500 manufacturers
- Raised $25M total funding including a $17.5M Series A led by Bessemer Venture Partners
- Secured strategic investment from RTX Ventures, the venture arm of RTX (Raytheon)
- Built a customer roster including Boeing, Cummins, Baxter International, Newell Brands, DENSO, and Pratt & Whitney
- Customers reported an average 27% decrease in downtime and 16% reduction in warranty and service costs
- Lectured on Enterprise AI Strategy at Columbia Business School
- Led AI engagements in automotive and aerospace at McKinsey and QuantumBlack

## Latest updates

- **2025-11** — Featured on the 'Inspired with Alexa von Tobel' podcast discussing how AI can change the way manufacturers detect and solve product issues before recalls.
- **2024-03** — Axion Ray closed a $17.5M Series A led by Bessemer Venture Partners with RTX Ventures, bringing total funding to $25M.

## Links

- Website: https://www.axion.com
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-first-135593117
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/danielfirstax
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhQQpYe4HsQ

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/daniel-first
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-06-04