Jacques Ludik
About Jacques Ludik
Jacques Ludik holds a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence (Computer Science) from Stellenbosch University. He has more than 25 years of experience in AI and data science. He was a senior lecturer and researcher at Stellenbosch University and has published dozens of papers on AI, plus books including one with Cambridge University Press.
He co-founded CSense Systems, an advanced analytics company that sold software and services through an international reseller network. General Electric acquired CSense in 2011, and he then worked at GE as Big Data & Analytics Leader and Director of GE Intelligent Platforms. He later served as Vice President of Data Science and Chief Data Officer at JUMO.
He is Founder and CEO of Cortex Logic and Cortex Group, whose products include the Journey Wellness health platform and the teen mental wellness spin-out Vive Teens. He also founded the nonprofit Machine Intelligence Institute of Africa (MIIA) and co-founded Sustainable Technology Ventures Capital (STVC). He received an African AI Leader of the Year award in 2019.
Crunchbase lists one personal investment: an angel round in The Student Hub. The round date and amount are not shown publicly. Crunchbase shows no lead investments and no exits as an investor.
No individual AI portfolio companies are publicly attributed to him. His investing activity in AI runs through structures he founded. Cortex Ventures was announced as an AI-only venture capital company. Its founder said it would back companies using data science, machine learning or deep learning. STVC, which he co-founded, is described as an AI-native fund of funds covering venture capital, private equity and mega projects in smart technology.
Public descriptions of Cortex Ventures call it an AI-focused seed to growth stage venture company. It develops, incubates and invests in businesses within African AI communities. His own profiles emphasize AI, data science, health and wellness, and Africa. No personal check size has been published, and his criteria for personal angel investments are not public.
- The Student Hub: angel round listed on Crunchbase; year and amount not disclosed.
Investing activity
Jacques Ludik has made 1 investment according to Crunchbase across 1 portfolio company, and has founded 1 company.
Deals
Frequently asked questions about Jacques Ludik
Is Jacques Ludik an angel investor?
Crunchbase lists him as an individual investor with one angel investment, in The Student Hub. His X profile calls him an entrepreneur and investor.
What stage does Jacques Ludik invest in?
His personal stage preference is not public. Cortex Ventures, which he founded, is described as seed to growth stage and AI-focused.
What is Jacques Ludik's check size?
No check size has been published.
What companies has Jacques Ludik founded?
He co-founded CSense Systems, which GE acquired in 2011. He also founded Cortex Logic, Cortex Group and the Machine Intelligence Institute of Africa, and co-founded Sustainable Technology Ventures Capital.
Does Jacques Ludik back African AI founders?
Cortex Ventures was described as backing businesses within African AI communities. He has also said that collaboration with other VCs, accelerators and academia matters for building an AI pipeline in Africa.
Where is Jacques Ludik based?
Jacques Ludik is based in Cape Town, NA - South Africa, South Africa.
How can founders reach Jacques Ludik?
Founders on Lounge can see Jacques Ludik's contact details in AI Investor Contacts (paid plans), check for a warm introduction through members who worked with them under Warm Paths, and add Jacques Ludik to their Investor Pipeline to track the conversation.