Building an AI Visibility Platform for the future of AI-powered search with Azoma and Lighthouse Labs grads By: Kai Block April 23, 2025 Estimated reading time: 5 minutes. At Lighthouse Labs, we love empowering both our graduates and the companies that hire them. One of the companies making a significant impact in the AI-driven marketing space is Azoma, a fast-growing startup changing the way businesses interact with AI-powered search platforms. Azoma is backed by leading Canadian and UK venture capitalists and has gathered a team of visionary engineers and researchers working at the cutting edge of AI search innovation. Under the leadership of Timur Luguev, co-founder and CTO, Azoma has rapidly expanded, and Lighthouse Labs graduates have been instrumental in that success. Timur shares how our grads have played a pivotal role in scaling the company’s AI-driven solutions. The future of marketing with Generative Engine Optimization Azoma's mission is to optimize marketing and e-commerce for the future of AI-powered search. With clients ranging from top-tier retailers to enterprise giants, the company’s generative engine optimization technology empowers them to reach billions of shoppers discovering new products and brands on AI platforms like ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, and Amazon Rufus. The role of Lighthouse Labs graduates at Azoma A large part of Azoma's success can be attributed to the talented individuals hired, including five Lighthouse Labs graduates. With hires from both the Web Development and Data Science Bootcamps, these grads have made valuable contributions to everything from product development to client solutions. When asked about the hiring process, Timur shared, “Lighthouse Labs’ Talent Acquisition team has been an invaluable partner in our hiring process. They took the time to understand our startup’s fast-paced culture. By connecting us with candidates who are both technically strong and eager to learn, they streamlined our hiring process and helped us build a team ready to tackle innovative AI projects.” Once again, our graduates have proven to be not just technically capable, but also highly adaptable, contributing meaningfully to the company’s growth. Hire tech talent The key qualities Azoma looks for in talent The best candidates’ aptitudes don’t stop at technical skills; they should also exhibit a natural curiosity and a drive to learn. According to Timur, the company values candidates who are not only capable of solving complex problems but who can also “break down challenges and develop creative solutions.” Additionally, attributes such as resilience, effective communication, and a collaborative spirit are valued in an AI startup environment. The impact of Lighthouse Labs grads at Azoma With 5 Lighthouse Labs hires under their belt, Azoma is no stranger to the value of our grads and the positive impact they have on their business. One standout example is Gloria Lim, who was promoted to a Lead Full-Stack Engineer role after impressing the team with her organizational skills and technical abilities. “Gloria’s contributions have enhanced our product roadmap and boosted team morale,” Timur explained. “She’s consistently grown and taken on more responsibility, clearly demonstrating the tangible value that Lighthouse Labs graduates bring to our projects.” Gloria reflected on how her experience at Lighthouse Labs shaped her career, saying, “Enrolling in Lighthouse Labs was one of the best investments I’ve made for my career. The hands-on projects, expert instructors, and supportive mentors were the key to accelerating my career transition in just a few months. With the help of LHL Career Services, I landed my dream job as a Full-Stack Engineer at Azoma within weeks of graduating - and eventually advanced to a team lead role - thanks to the real-world skills I gained through the well-structured program. If you’re looking for a fast, effective way to break into tech, I definitely recommend Lighthouse Labs!” Erkan Ege Senli, another graduate, demonstrated impressive initiative when he went above and beyond by tackling customer issues outside of the scope of his designated role. Timur praised his dedication, saying, “Ege took the initiative to dive into these challenges. He led efforts to address complex issues, showcasing an incredible ability to find solutions that seemed almost impossible.” His proactive attitude, tenacity, and ability to navigate complex problems have established him as an indispensable part of the Azoma team.” The future of Azoma and the role of Lighthouse Labs grads Azoma is currently expanding its team and seeking talented individuals for Fullstack Engineers and AI Engineers/Scientists. As Timur put it, “We are excited to welcome new talent who are ready to take on challenging projects and contribute to our ongoing mission of developing cutting-edge technology.” Given the success they’ve seen with their Lighthouse Labs hires, it’s no surprise that Azoma would continue to look for more graduates from our programs. “The combination of technical expertise, eagerness to grow, and a proactive mindset that Lighthouse Labs grads possess is exactly what we need in our team,” said Timur. He added, “Their proven track record—evidenced by the remarkable contributions of our current hires—gives us full confidence that future graduates will continue to drive our ambitious projects and help us reach new heights.” Learn about Lighthouse Lab’s Talent Acquisition services. What can Lighthouse Labs grads expect from Azoma? At Azoma, there’s no shortage of opportunities for career growth. Graduates who join the team will work on impactful AI projects from day one, taking on real responsibilities that accelerate their career development. With mentorship, a culture that rewards innovation, and an environment where creativity thrives, Azoma gives employees the chance to push boundaries and achieve ambitious goals. Shaping the future of marketing for AI search As Azoma continues to lead the way in answer engine optimization for AI search, Lighthouse Labs graduates will remain a key part of the company’s growth. The hands-on skills, adaptability, and eagerness to learn exhibited by our grads have proven to be essential for scaling innovative AI solutions. If you're a graduate, Azoma offers a dynamic environment where you can grow your career and make an impact from day one. Their commitment to fostering talent and driving technological advancement makes them an ideal employer for anyone looking to break into AI and Big Data. See the impact of other Hiring Partners Our network of over 4,000 Hiring Partners across all industries is constantly growing. Learn about a few of them: Healthcare Systems R&A Inc. Healthcare Systems R&A Inc. is a Canadian company focused on healthcare research and innovation. Their team, composed of researchers, medical professionals, and data specialists, uses technologies like AI, machine learning, and data mining to advance healthcare outcomes. The company has worked on impactful projects, including exploring treatments for multiple sclerosis and improving medical record automation. As a Lighthouse Labs Hiring Partner, Healthcare Systems R&A Inc. gains access to highly skilled data professionals, contributing to the company’s success and accelerating its research efforts. Check out the spotlight. LAUFT Based in Toronto, LAUFT is transforming flexible workspaces with on-demand solutions, and Lighthouse Labs graduates have become a core part of their journey. Co-founder, Jesse Sharratt, spoke about the value of this partnership, emphasizing the hands-on skills and adaptability that Lighthouse Labs grads bring to LAUFT’s growth-oriented culture. “The humility to learn and the courage to try are key traits,” Jesse noted, highlighting how grads thrive in LAUFT’s high-trust environment. From developing a web app driving 20% of reservations to creating check-in kiosks, grads are driving tangible growth. Check out the spotlight. Oncology Simplified Oncology Simplified is a digital healthcare company based in Southwestern Ontario, providing specialized, personalized cancer care services online, allowing patients to access expert support without the need for referrals. The company's agile technical team integrates healthcare services while ensuring data security, and through its partnership with Lighthouse Labs, it has hired graduates from their Web Development and Cybersecurity Bootcamps to drive its mission of improving cancer care and expanding its reach. Check out the spotlight.