Neel Somani, the visionary Founder of Eclipse Labs, has recently embarked on a groundbreaking journey from the world of cryptocurrency to the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI). His career, marked by accomplishments in blockchain technology and his newfound passion for machine learning, is a testament to adaptability and innovation.
From Blockchain to Artificial Intelligence
Eclipse Labs, founded by Somani, aimed to solve scalability challenges for the Ethereum blockchain. Somani spearheaded the company’s Series A funding effort, successfully raising $65 million to catapult the company forward. Transitioning from his role as CEO to Executive Chairman in May 2024, he showcased strategic leadership by delegating operations to Vijay Chetty, while maintaining a pivotal role in guiding company direction. Under his leadership, the company launched the highly anticipated Eclipse Mainnet product, fulfilling its commitments to the market.
By mid-2025, with a desire to explore more research-driven initiatives, Somani steered Eclipse Labs to pivot its focus towards application development. In October 2025, he stepped down from all governance roles to dedicate himself fully to machine learning research. His ultimate goal? Creating an enduring legacy in AI theory and contributing to long-term advancements in the field.
A New Chapter: Exploring Machine Learning and Research
Somani’s passion for machine learning lies in the intricacies of reinforcement learning, agents, and the structural depths of large language models (LLMs). Among his projects is Symbolic Circuit Distillation, an innovative concept within mechanistic interpretability. This involves extracting and understanding the “mechanistic circuits” within LLMs and matching them to equivalent programs, thus ensuring stronger robustness and safety guarantees for AI applications.
His shift toward AI reflects his commitment to working on meaningful, impactful problems. He aims to not only push the boundaries of mechanistic interpretability but also forge a path that contributes to a safer, more robust future for artificial intelligence applications.
Advice for Aspiring Innovators
For graduates stepping into rapidly evolving fields, Somani emphasizes staying adaptable. He advises learning modern coding tools like Claude Code or Codex and exploring opportunities in top AI labs to contribute to transformative projects. “Attention is the most scarce resource,” he says, urging new grads to focus on impactful endeavors and strategic skill-building to drive their careers forward.
Explore Advanced AI Tools
If you’re looking to enhance your understanding of AI and machine learning, consider exploring DeepMind’s AI research resources. Their cutting-edge developments in reinforcement learning and LLM safety can offer valuable insights into the complexities of AI, helping both beginners and seasoned professionals excel.
Neel Somani’s story demonstrates that innovation requires not only technical acumen but a willingness to pivot and embrace new opportunities. As the worlds of crypto and AI continue to evolve, leaders like Somani prove that the greatest advancements happen when we push boundaries and dare to take a new direction.
