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About

Jonathan La

Founder of Observable Labs. Engineer — nine years in software design, ML engineering, and MLOps.

Jon, founder of Observable Labs

Why I started Observable Labs

ML tooling is moving faster than most teams can track. I started Observable Labs to close the gap between what's possible and what's in production — short engagements, real problems, honest advice.

Background

  • Engineering physics at McMaster University, graduated 2018 with a minor in mathematics.
  • Self-taught software and machine learning alongside school.
  • Nine years across software design, ML engineering, and MLOps — at research companies, startups, and big tech.
  • I started Observable Labs to help people and businesses put machine learning to work.

Industries I've worked in

Biotech and genomics · AI research · Perception data management · Enterprise software · Financial services

Why this work matters to me

Machine learning, automation, and modern infrastructure have reached a point where a small team or a single founder can build what used to take a department.

I don't arrive with a pre-built solution. I figure out the problem with you first — what you don't know, where the leverage is, and what's worth building — then hand it off so you can run it without me.

Jon backcountry skiing in snowy mountains Jon trekking through mountains in Peru

Beyond the desk

Beyond the desk, you'll usually find me in the mountains — trail running, skiing, backcountry in every season. I spend as much time outdoors as I can.

Want to work together?

Tell me what you're building or the problem you're trying to solve.

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