Alan Yates — Technology Executive & Education Advocate

About

A career at the edge of what’s next

I am a senior technology executive with a track record spanning foundational roles at Microsoft, executive leadership in venture-backed companies, and board and advisory positions across AI, SaaS, tablets, thin-clients, media, education, IoT, and VR/AR.

My expertise lives at the intersection of strategy, product, and commercial execution — turning breakthrough ideas into growing businesses. I have led go-to-market strategy, global business development, and strategic partnerships across enterprise, consumer, and emerging markets.

Today, there is nothing more important to me than working to shape a positive future for people — especially by transforming our education systems to meet the new realities of artificial intelligence.

Go-to-Market Strategy

SaaS

AI Software

IoT & ITV

Global Business Dev.

Immersive Tech (VR/AR)

Corporate Development

Cloud Computing

Executive Advisory

Strategic Partnerships

Product Management

Channel Development

Enterprise Software

Acquisition & Exit

At this point in my journey, there is nothing more important to me than working to shape a positive future for people — especially by transforming our education systems.

— Alan Yates, 2026

Career

Three decades of building what’s next

Docugami

2018 — Present

Chief Business Officer

Leads go-to-market strategy, sales, marketing, corporate development, partnerships, and commercialization for a native AI-powered document intelligence platform. Defined and positioned a breakthrough approach to transform complex business documents into structured, actionable data for enterprise use.

Freefly Systems

2014 — 2019

VP, Business Development

Spearheaded business development and strategic growth for a market-leading innovator in professional cinema and drone camera motion systems, driving rapid expansion into new channels and markets worldwide.

VRstudios

2015 — 2018

Board Member

Contributed as a board member for a pioneering company delivering commercial-grade, immersive virtual reality experiences. Facilitated strategic growth leading to acquisition.

TinMan Systems

2018 — 2021

Advisor

Guided business launch, product positioning, and go-to-market strategy with early customers for an Industrial IoT diagnostics company.

Numera Health

2011 — 2012

VP, Business Development

Developed a new online wellness product and led initial business development for the early digital health venture, resulting in an early acquisition.

NComputing

2010 — 2011

Strategic Business Development

Created strategic initiatives and grew EMEA region sales during rapid international expansion of thin client computing. Served as Acting VP of the EMEA Region, growing it by 40%.

Microsoft
Corporation

1990 — 2009

GM, Worldwide Education · 2006–2009

Led global sales and marketing of Microsoft’s product portfolio and philanthropic efforts in Education, transforming a stagnant business into one of the company’s fastest-growing, essential segments.

GM, Business Strategy — MS Office · 2003–2006

Developed growth and competitive strategies for the Microsoft Office franchise, including expansion to the cloud, worldwide standardization of OpenXML document formats, and competitive strategy vs. Google Docs and OpenOffice.

GM / VP, Microsoft TV, WebTV, Windows CE · 1996–2002

Led Microsoft’s expansion beyond the PC into consumer devices and television software. Managed Windows CE, supported global broadband internet and interactive TV partnerships, and led the acquisition and rollout of WebTV.

Channel Marketing Manager · 1990–1996

Invented and founded Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Program, transitioning the company from retail consumer products to Enterprise products. Helped launch Windows NT and Microsoft’s server business, rapidly growing what became the world’s largest Partner ecosystem.

Earlier Career

1977 — 1990

Oklahoma State Senate — Staff Director, Head of Staff

Began as Analyst for the Appropriations Committee developing the state budget; promoted to head of staff for all legislation, legal work, and budget development in a bipartisan role.

Mayor’s Office, Los Angeles — Energy Policy Analyst

Developed the Comprehensive Energy Management Plan for the City of Los Angeles as a policy guide for energy conservation and solar initiatives.

Crossroads School, Santa Monica — High School Teacher

Taught 9–12 grade Mathematics and English; coached Basketball and Track & Field. Recipient of the Outstanding Teacher award.

Essays & Ideas

Writing on what matters

I write on the topics I care most about — the collision of artificial intelligence with human potential, and how we must reimagine education for the world that is arriving.

Published · 2026

Education in the Age of AI

A blueprint for helping every school, college, and workforce program in America rise to meet the most significant shift in learning since the printing press. 5 pillars. 20 concrete actions.

Coming Soon

The Skills That Will Matter Most — and Why We’re Teaching the Wrong Ones

Critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability have never been more important. Yet our curricula still optimize for rote knowledge. A case for urgent change.

Coming Soon

What 35 Years in Tech Taught Me About Change — and Human Resilience

From the PC revolution to the internet, mobile, cloud, and now AI — a practitioner’s perspective on navigating technological disruption and why optimism is warranted.

Get in Touch

Let’s build something meaningful

I’m open to advisory roles, board positions, executive partnerships, and conversations about the future of education and AI.

alany@msn.com

Phone

425-785-2633

Location

Woodinville, WA · Greater Seattle Area

Website

alancyates.com

Education

Master of Business Administration

Stanford University Graduate School of Business

Class of 1990

Master of Arts — Education

Stanford University

Class of 1977

Bachelor of Arts — English Literature

Harvard University

Class of 1976