From Freelancing to AI Startup: Waeez Ahmed’s DeepNet Labs Journey with WeWork

Discover how Waeez Ahmed built DeepNet Labs from freelancing to an AI-driven startup at WeWork Galaxy, leveraging collaboration, networking, and innovation.

Entrepreneurship seemed like a natural extension of what Waeez Ahmed liked to do. In college he’d been nifty enough to pick up several side hustles like building websites and apps, effectively getting so efficient to a point where it became second nature.

This habit grew his passion for all things technology, but most importantly, it prepared him well in-advance for the entrepreneurial grind. “That experience gave me a taste of what it’s like to collaborate, lead a team, and have the creative freedom to decide what to build and how to build it,” he says. 

Naturally his first choice after completing his undergraduate was to join a startup where he imagined he would begin doing a lot of things that he imagined went hand-in-hand with building a company. But then, he quickly realised that he would rather be the one in-charge. 

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After moving on from his first job, Waeez found himself within an incubator called Future IP Labs. Two-three years after working at one of their portfolio companies, Waeez decided he was ready to start his own company, and that’s how Deep Net Labs came about.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

In late 2021, artificial intelligence (AI) startups were relatively scarce, with most venture funding still concentrated in sectors like fintech and e-commerce. The timing of Deep Net Labs’ entry into the market positioned it as an early player with a unique opportunity to stand out. Fast forward to today, and AI has become one of the most competitive industries globally, attracting billions in funding. According to CB Insights, AI startups secured over $50 billion in venture capital funding in 2023 alone, with the rise of generative AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini dominating headlines.

Naturally, this explosion of interest can be intimidating for new founders trying to carve out their space. But Waeez remains unfazed. “In the beginning, we were overwhelmed with how fast the space was evolving—every day, there was a new model or advancement. Over time, we learned that you have to filter out the noise and focus on creating real value,” he explains. “We stopped chasing trends and instead focused on building solutions that genuinely help our clients. There’s always a new model or a new technology, but what really matters is its practical application. That’s how we approach AI—by understanding business pain points and solving them, rather than just riding the hype wave.”

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To Waeez, success in AI isn’t about short-term wins—it’s about staying ahead of the industry’s rapid evolution. “The industry will continue to evolve, and we want to be at the forefront, not just following trends but leading meaningful innovation,” he says. By focusing on tangible impact rather than fleeting hype, Deep Net Labs aims to build AI solutions that stand the test of time.

Getting into WeWork

“It’s a funny story actually,” Waeez says, chuckling. “My first exposure to WeWork was actually back in college when a friend of mine interned at a startup based in WeWork Galaxy. There was a unique energy—something I hadn’t seen in traditional office spaces.”

The memory of that day stayed with Waeez, even years after he had left the building after that first interaction. So when it came time to pick a space that suited his needs, WeWork Galaxy was naturally the first choice. “Initially, I thought WeWork was just a coworking space—come in, work, and leave. But it turned out to be much more than that. The networking opportunities, events, and interactions have been invaluable.

In particular, Waeez talks about how he had the chance to attend events that were more startup focused, an opportunity he hadn’t gotten early. “I’ve had the chance to pitch to international delegates, attend startup-focused events, and meet potential partners and clients. The WeWork Labs initiative, in particular, has been a great support system. I never expected to gain this much beyond just a workspace,” he says. 

Looking into the horizon, Waeez says he has big plans for his company. “Our goal is to deepen our expertise in AI and continue building impactful solutions. As we expand our team, having a workspace that fosters creativity and collaboration will be crucial,” he says. “WeWork has already been instrumental in our early growth, so I see it remaining a part of our journey as we scale.”