How Gamma's AI is Changing the Way Businesses Create Presentations: A Startup Success Story

In the ever-evolving world of tech, few startups have disrupted industries quite like Gamma. Founded by Grant Lee, a former investment banker and consultant, Gamma is redefining how businesses create and deliver presentations, using the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to eliminate the traditional challenges of slide-based storytelling.

Grant Lee’s journey to founding Gamma wasn’t a typical one. With a mechanical engineering degree from Stanford University, Lee spent almost a decade navigating the finance world. However, the global shift to remote work in 2020 forced him to reevaluate the traditional methods of communication in business. The limitations of traditional presentations quickly became apparent, and Lee’s mix of technical expertise and financial acumen led him to envision a solution that would change the way we communicate.

“During the pandemic, I had a chance to reflect on what I wanted to do next,” Lee said. This period of reflection set him on a path toward entrepreneurship and building something from the ground up—a venture that would eventually become Gamma.

From Concept to Company: Co-Founding Gamma

Lee’s journey to creating Gamma truly began during his time in advisory work. In 2020, Lee found himself deeply immersed in the creation and refinement of slide decks, which led him to realize that traditional presentations were long overdue for a transformation. He reached out to two former Optimizely colleagues, James Fox and Jon Noronha, who were based in San Francisco. After extensive collaboration, the decision was made to create Gamma in San Francisco, believing that the Bay Area would continue to serve as the hub for innovation.

“We felt like San Francisco was still going to be the hub for where innovation happens,” Lee recalled. The team, despite the challenges of the pandemic, found themselves in a small, converted two-bedroom apartment, where Gamma was born. “We worked in different rooms because it was shelter-in-place, and we had to buy massive air filters,” Lee shared, reflecting on the early days of the startup. Despite the challenges, the team’s vision began to take shape.

Securing seed funding in 2021, Gamma launched its public beta in 2022, which marked the start of its impressive growth journey.

AI Integration Sparks Explosive Growth for Gamma

The turning point for Gamma came in March 2023, when the company integrated artificial intelligence into its platform. This integration helped Gamma realize its vision of simplifying presentations. Unlike traditional presentation tools that leave users with a blank canvas and no design expertise, Gamma’s AI features offer an intuitive and easy way for businesses to create stunning presentations with minimal effort.

“When you think about traditional presentation tools like slides, you’re often faced with this blank canvas—and the majority of us are not visual designers,” Lee said. By harnessing the power of AI, Gamma allows users to create polished presentations quickly, making it a game-changer for businesses worldwide.

The impact of the AI integration was profound. In just nine months, Gamma saw an explosion of users, reaching 10 million global users by the end of 2023. However, the startup’s rapid growth came during a turbulent period for the tech ecosystem, with market volatility and regional banking crises threatening the financial stability of many startups.

“I remember sitting in one of the corners of that two-bedroom apartment, two weeks away from our biggest AI launch—and not knowing if we could even make payroll,” Lee shared, highlighting the immense pressure the company faced at that time. Fortunately, a connection through a former investment banking colleague at J.P. Morgan provided Gamma with the necessary financial support to weather the storm.

Gamma's Journey to 30 Million Users and Beyond

Today, Gamma has grown to 30 million users worldwide, and its journey is far from over. The company is continuing to innovate and expand its AI capabilities, revolutionizing how businesses approach presentations. "I’m excited on all fronts. The technology is advancing so quickly, and we’re just scratching the surface in terms of what the capabilities will be," Lee said, expressing his enthusiasm for what lies ahead.

Gamma’s rapid success story is a testament to the power of AI to transform industries, and it’s just beginning to show its full potential. As the company continues to grow, Gamma plans to further enhance its offerings, providing businesses with even more advanced tools to create powerful presentations in less time.

Access Exclusive Benefits with J.P. Morgan's Startup Banking

For J.P. Morgan Startup Banking clients, there’s an added bonus: Gamma users can access a discount on their services through the Startup Offers platform, further supporting the growth of startups and entrepreneurs.

Building the Future with J.P. Morgan Innovation Economy

Through its partnership with J.P. Morgan, Gamma is also tapping into a powerful network of venture capitalists and professional resources to expand its reach and innovation capabilities. As startups continue to reshape industries, Gamma’s partnership with J.P. Morgan provides them with scalable money-management solutions and access to an extensive network of investors.

For businesses looking to elevate their presentation game, Gamma is leading the way with AI-powered solutions that make it easier to create impactful, professional presentations in no time.

The Future of Presentations is AI-Powered

From a small apartment in San Francisco to 30 million users worldwide, Gamma’s journey exemplifies the power of AI to revolutionize an entire industry. Grant Lee’s vision to simplify presentations using artificial intelligence is already reshaping how businesses communicate, and as the company continues to grow, the future looks even brighter. The possibilities are endless, and Gamma is just getting started in its mission to make business presentations faster, simpler, and more effective.