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Draft:Danny Castonguay

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Danny Castonguay is a Canadian entrepreneur and technology executive, best known as the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of bld.ai, a Singapore-based digital professional services platform founded in 2017.[1] Castonguay’s career includes co-founding the recruitment startup Kalibrr in 2013 and serving as an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company.[2][3] He holds an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management and a Master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from McGill University.[4] His academic interests focus on applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to education and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals fulfill their potential.[5]

Early life and education

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Castonguay was raised in Quebec, Canada, where he developed an early interest in technology and artificial intelligence. He attended McGill University, earning a Master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering.[4] He later earned an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management, deepening his understanding of business strategy and technology-driven innovation.[4]

Career

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Early ventures and Kalibrr

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In 2013, Castonguay co-founded Kalibrr, an online employment platform based in the Philippines. Kalibrr was the first Philippine startup accepted into the Y Combinator accelerator program, significantly impacting employment opportunities in the region.[2] Castonguay later transitioned from daily operations, joining McKinsey & Company, where he rose to the role of Expert Associate Partner, advising major corporations on technology and strategic initiatives.[3]

Founding bld.ai

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In 2017, Castonguay co-founded bld.ai, envisioning a new model for digital consulting and product development.[1] The founding team included colleagues such as Leah Grace Capitan and Eric Tambasacan, who provided expertise in product management and engineering, respectively.[1] The company was launched as a bootstrapped startup, initially operating across Singapore, the United States, and Canada. Castonguay's innovative approach emphasized flexible staffing, automation, and intellectual property retention for clients.[1]

Company history

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Growth and operations

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bld.ai built a global network of specialists who collaborate remotely, offering high-quality, cost-effective solutions comparable to major consultancies like Accenture and Deloitte.[1] The company leverages an automated software platform to minimize overhead costs and maximize operational efficiency.[1]

The firm's business model includes:

  • SaaS Back-office Platform: Automates administrative processes.
  • Partner Marketplace: Provides vetted talent for client projects.
  • AI/Web3 Strategy Unit: Develops and proposes innovative solutions proactively.[1]

By 2022, bld.ai achieved approximately US$14 million in annual revenue with US$3 million profit, maintaining profitability without external funding or debt.[1]

Milestones and achievements

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bld.ai has expanded its clientele to include major enterprises and innovative startups, driven entirely by referrals and successful project outcomes.[1] Strategic partnerships, such as with digital marketing agency Sage Digital, further enhanced the company's offerings.[6] As of 2025, Castonguay continues to lead bld.ai with a focus on sustainable growth, innovation, and the creation of meaningful employment through technology.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "In the Black Series - bld.ai". Tech in Asia. 2024. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
  2. ^ a b "Kalibrr - Y Combinator". Y Combinator. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
  3. ^ a b "Danny Castonguay LinkedIn Profile". LinkedIn. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
  4. ^ a b c "MIT Sloan Alumni Directory". MIT Sloan. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
  5. ^ "Personal Blog of Danny Castonguay". blog.dannycastonguay.com. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
  6. ^ "Sage Digital partnership announcement". Sage Digi official website. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
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