Maximilian Stein

Startup Partnerships & Community at Fireworks AI • Ex-Microsoft • Co-Founder of empyre webs

San Francisco, California, United States

About

I'm endlessly curious and deeply motivated by how emerging technologies can shape a better future. I’ve worked across AI agents, AI developer tooling, web3, robotics, and cybersecurity bringing a strategy-driven, execution-focused mindset to building partnerships, driving adoption, and exploring new frontiers. I’m always learning, always experimenting, and driven by a belief in democratizing access of technology to all. That mission has shaped my work across startups, Big Tech, and nonprofit impact.

Experience

  • Startup Partnerships & Community at Fireworks AI
    Aug 2025 - Present · 1 yr

  • Microsoft (3 yrs 1 mo)
    • AI GTM • Business Development & Strategy
      Mar 2024 - Aug 2025 · 1 yr 6 mos

      Advanced a new AI commercial team scaling AI GTM efforts in driving revenue through a partner-led approach with high growth startups. Scoped the team's strategy, sourced target companies and negotiated strategic partnerships around GTM, product integrations, co-marketing, investments and more.

    • AI & Developer Tooling • Business Development & Strategy
      Mar 2023 - Mar 2025 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      Drove strategic partnerships, integrations and long-term product strategies focused on Azure AI Foundry across the AI agent ecosystem, AI developer tooling stack, responsible AI, and emerging AI applications in robotics.

    • Web3 • Business Development & Strategy
      Aug 2022 - Mar 2023 · 8 mos

      Led Microsoft's web3 strategy in advancing tokenized asset trading scenarios through a partner centric approach with web3-native companies and explored emerging initiatives like Verifiable AI with the blockchain.

  • Co-Founder & Co-Host at In The Loop
    Sep 2023 - Sep 2024 · 1 yr 1 mo

    Launched and co-hosted a podcast to educate listeners on career pathways in the tech industry by showcasing professionals’ journeys and emerging tech trends, which supported audience members securing roles through networking opportunities.

  • Co-Founder at empyre webs
    Apr 2020 - May 2023 · 3 yrs 2 mos

    We work with you hand in hand, connecting threads to further develop a technology empyre around your business.

  • Fowler Career Coach at The George Washington University School of Business
    Aug 2020 - May 2022 · 1 yr 10 mos

    Mentored and taught university students professional development in building resumes, cover letters, job applications and networking.