Team Tech:NYC Expands
Today, we’re excited to announce three team members at Tech:NYC: Bennu Amen, Manager, Policy & Research; Caroline McKechnie, Director of Platform; and Jenni Warren, Program Director for Decoded Futures.
“Our growth at Tech:NYC is indicative of the rapid growth of the New York tech sector,” said Julie Samuels, President & CEO of Tech:NYC. “We are excited to welcome Bennu, Caroline, and Jenni to Tech:NYC to further grow our work to foster a dynamic, diverse, and innovative New York.”
Bennu Amen joins as the Manager for Policy and Research at Tech:NYC, where she will drive initiatives that fuel innovation and economic growth in New York City’s tech landscape. From creating cutting-edge dashboards to uncovering the economic potential of AI, Bennu transforms data into strategies that shape the future of technology in New York City. Bennu previously served as a Project Manager for Strategic Engagement and Partnerships at NYCEDC.
Caroline McKechnie joins as the Director of Platform at Tech:NYC, where she leads Startup:NYC, developing programs, partnerships, and opportunities that unlock value for startups and position the city as a global hub for innovation. Previously, Caroline served as Director of Platform at Female Founders Fund, the largest seed-stage fund investing in female-founded businesses.
Jenni Warren joins as the Program Director of Decoded Futures at Tech:NYC, where she leads efforts to empower nonprofits with the transformative potential of AI. With over 15 years of experience in learning and development, she has designed and implemented innovative education and training strategies across diverse contexts, both domestically and internationally.
This expansion follows on a big 2024. At this time last year, Tech:NYC also announced three other new hires, and as the New York’s tech sector continues its dynamic trajectory, our team will continue to meet the moment to support it. As noted in a new report from the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC):
Between 2018 and 2023, NYC tech companies added 54,000 jobs, growing from 167,000 to 221,000 – a 32% increase.
Tech accounted for 9% of NYC's Gross City Product in 2023, up from 6% in 2013.
NYC has more than 2,000 AI startups along with 40,000 employees in AI jobs.
Join us in welcoming Bennu, Caroline, and Jenni to Tech:NYC!