Quantum Software Company Zapata Computing Adds Clark Golestani to Board

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Zapata Computing (zapata.ai), a quantum software startup that spun out of Harvard University, today announced the appointment of technology veteran Clark Golestani as a board member of the company. Most recently, Mr. Golestani served as President of Emerging Businesses and Global CIO at Merck, the $40 billion pharmaceutical giant, until his retirement earlier this year.

Zapata develops powerful quantum algorithms that are hastening breakthroughs and enabling the next generation of discoveries in chemistry, materials and artificial intelligence.

“In just one year, Zapata has rapidly become an established player in the space of quantum computing, forging collaborations with the likes of Google and Fortune 1000 companies in markets such as pharmaceuticals, finance and materials,” said Mr. Golestani. “I look forward to bringing my decades of experience in pharmaceuticals and software to Zapata as it continues to enter new markets and bring the transformative impact of quantum computing to life sciences.”

“We are very excited to add Clark to our board of directors,” said Christopher Savoie, co-founder and CEO of Zapata. “Clark brings to the company incomparable experience in the technology sector, both from the perspective of a Fortune 50 CIO and as a board member and advisor to successful enterprise software venture-backed companies.”

Mr. Golestani has over 30 years of experience in health, life sciences and technology. At Merck, he led the company’s global Information Technology organization, strategy, and execution worldwide, spanning all lines of business inclusive of Human Health and Animal Health BioPharma. He was responsible for Merck’s portfolio of services and solutions companies, as well as its global health innovation venture fund – each of which extensively leverages opportunities across the digital health ecosystem. Previously, Mr. Golestani was a principal with Oracle in charge of establishing and managing strategic client relationships from business development through consulting services and engagement delivery.

The appointment comes on the heels of other significant developments for Zapata this year, including collaborations with Google and IBM, an exclusive license agreement with Harvard’s Office of Technology Development, and an initial round of funding from prominent investors that include The Engine, the venture firm founded by MIT to invest in tough tech startups.