Alessandro Saccoia
Cofounder | Professor | Consultant | Educator
Cofounder of Thembi, helping organizations navigate the uncertain territory between AI hype and implementation paralysis. My work combines technical rigor in machine learning and signal processing with insights from political science and cognitive research to provide grounded, realistic guidance on AI adoption, governance, and risk.
Current and Previous Affiliations
Navigating the Messy Middle
Organizations face a polarized landscape: unbridled AI accelerationism driven by FOMO on one side, existential paralysis from perceived risks and opacity on the other. Most need guidance in the space between—where technical implementation meets human anxiety, regulatory requirements, and organizational reality.
My approach combines deep technical knowledge in AI systems, signal processing, and machine learning with insights from political theory, cognitive science, and organizational behavior. This allows for realistic assessments that account for both technical constraints and human factors in AI deployment.
Services for Startups & Leaders
I help startups, VCs, and CEOs make informed decisions about AI—from validating vendor proposals to developing implementation strategies and building team capabilities through practical training.
AI Validation & Due Diligence
Support for startups, VCs, and CTOs evaluating AI proposals from suppliers. Technical assessment of vendor claims, cost-benefit analysis, risk evaluation, and feasibility reviews for AI project investments.
AI Strategy Development
Strategic guidance for startups and scale-ups defining their AI roadmap. From initial opportunity identification to implementation planning, helping organizations understand where AI adds real value to their business model.
AI Education & Training
Executive education through Formaper (Chamber of Commerce Milan Monza Brianza Lodi). Practical AI training for CEOs and decision-makers, covering fundamentals, capabilities assessment, and hands-on prototyping with modern AI tools.
Rapid AI Prototyping
Vibe coding workshops for startup teams to explore AI possibilities and build working prototypes. Fast validation of AI concepts through hands-on development, helping teams understand what AI can actually do for their specific use cases.
Background
My background combines technical training in computer science and audio engineering with research in political science. I hold undergraduate degrees from Università degli Studi di Milano and Politecnico di Milano, along with certifications in AI and Law, AI Governance, and intensive training in Transformative AI and AI Safety.
I teach Data-Driven Marketing at IULM University's Master's program in Artificial Intelligence for Business and Society, and deliver AI training for executives through Formaper, the Chamber of Commerce of Milan Monza Brianza Lodi. As a consultant and co-founder, I work with startups, SMEs, VCs, and public sector organizations on AI strategy, implementation, and governance through teodicea.studio.
Previous experience includes machine learning research at IRCAM, marketing analytics at Nielsen, product management at Vodafone, and various technical roles in data science and audio signal processing. This multidisciplinary foundation bridges technical implementation with organizational and societal considerations.