The Team

Steve Carlin is a global business leader and strategist recognized for transforming technology companies through disciplined execution, innovation, and operational excellence.

Steve built a strong foundation in business and brand management with leading consumer product companies, where he developed the strategic and analytical rigor that continues to define his leadership approach.

He rose to prominence as President and Chief Strategy Officer at SoftBank Robotics America, where he built a high-performing commercial and operations team, launched award-winning products, and turned a newly acquired robotics venture into a profitable enterprise. His leadership extended beyond financial performance to include building strategic partnerships, overseeing global expansion, and driving industry-defining innovation in automation and AI.

Following SoftBank, Steve joined AiFi as CEO, an AI and computer vision company pioneering autonomous retail, where he led the organization through rapid transformation and growth. His leadership resulted in exponential increases in revenue, profitability, and platform performance, earning AiFi recognition from Forbes as one of America’s Best Startup Employers and multiple appearances on the Inc. 5000 list.

Today, Steve serves as a Venture Partner at Translink Capital, a global venture capital firm investing across AI, technology, robotics & automation, consumer products, and gaming. He works closely with portfolio company CEOs and executive teams, advising on growth strategies, market entry, and commercialization.

Steve serves on multiple boards for the Consumer Technology Association’s, including the Board of Industry Leaders, as well as the C100 where he advises several emerging companies in robotics, consumer goods, gaming, and AI. He holds an MBA with Honors in Marketing and International Business from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, where he was recognized as one of 100 alumni celebrated for the school’s centennial, and a BA in Geology from Miami University in Ohio.

An avid learner and competitor, Steve brings the same focus and drive from his athletic and creative pursuits, tennis, golf, and music, to mentoring leaders and shaping the next generation of technology innovators.