Metaphysic.ai, New York, New York, United States: Zehra Soysal, Director of Business & Finance

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Trailblazing Director of Business & Finance, Metaphysic.ai

Zehra Soysal is a visionary force at the intersection of AI, finance, and female leadership. As Director of Business Operations and Finance at Metaphysic.ai, she has redefined what it means to be a business leader in one of the most technical and fast-moving sectors in the world. But Zehra’s story isn’t just one of business success—it’s a story of empowerment, breaking barriers, and building a more inclusive future for women in AI.

A former BCG consultant, ex-Google professional, and Harvard Business School graduate, she is also a first-generation college graduate from a conservative family in Turkey. In 2020, she was one of only three people from Turkey admitted to Harvard Business School—and has since dedicated her career to building transformational AI companies while opening doors for others like her to do the same.

Professionally, Zehra’s impact has been nothing short of exceptional. As the Director of Business Operations and Finance at Metaphysic.ai, she joined Metaphysic.ai as the company’s first business hire, there were only 10 employees. Within two years, she played a pivotal role in scaling the company to 150 employees, securing $30 million in funding, and positioning the company for its $1.43 billion acquisition by Brahma (DNEG). Today, she oversees all finance and business operations for the company, which is globally recognized as a leader in AI-powered content and innovation.

But her impact extends far beyond balance sheets and financial models. Zehra has been a driving force behind Metaphysic’s growth in the U.S., building the infrastructure and strategy to hire U.S.-based talent and scale operations while maintaining financial discipline and clarity. Her frameworks for cash flow, forecasting, and vendor management are still the backbone of the company’s success.

Her work contributed directly to the company’s recognition as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies, winner of the Fast Company Most Innovative Companies, MTV VMAs Best Visual Effects, and the VES Emerging Technology Award—not only honoring technological achievement but also validating Zehra’s ability to scale and commercialize innovation.

One of her most groundbreaking achievements was leading financial strategy for the film HERE, starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. Zehra developed a proprietary AI production pricing tool that enabled accurate forecasting of complex VFX costs. This tool was crucial in the project’s ability to deliver AI-driven visuals on budget. Zehra even received an official IMDb credit—an honor rarely given to business leaders, and a reflection of her impact on shaping how AI is financed and commercialized in film.

She also secured $3.3 million in non-dilutive government funding through R&D tax credits, allowing Metaphysic to accelerate AI development without giving up equity. All her submissions were approved without any follow-up questions—testament to her precision, credibility, and deep understanding of AI innovation.

 In 2024, recognizing the need for more inclusive leadership in AI, Zehra co-founded Global Turks in AI, a Silicon Valley–based think tank that connects top Turkish professionals—especially women—in AI across the U.S. and Turkey. Through mentorship, community-building, and industry partnerships, the organization helps younger women succeed in a field where representation is still scarce.

Outside of work, Zehra is a vocal advocate for gender equity in AI. She mentors young women breaking into the field, offering them not just guidance—but belief. She’s helping reshape what leadership in tech looks like, one story and one mentee at a time.

She is also a member of the Forbes Finance Council, where she writes practical insights on AI commercialization, startup finance, and global investment trends—empowering others to navigate the complexities of emerging technologies.

Zehra Soysal is more than a high-impact operator—she’s a builder of futures. Her life’s work stands at the intersection of innovation, empowerment, and purpose. Through her leadership, she’s proving that women belong at the forefront of AI—and that financial strategy, when guided by vision, can move not only companies but industries forward.

• Played a key role to scale Metaphysic.ai from 10 to 150 employees as the first business hire, leading core business operations, product strategy, and GTM execution.

• Strategized fundraising with investors to secure $30 million in venture funding and built financial infrastructure from scratch, resulting in the company’s successful $1.43 billion acquisition by Brahma (DNEG).

• Led U.S. expansion strategy, enabling Metaphysic.ai to hire domestic talent and build its American presence through robust financial modeling and forecasting.

• Contributed to major industry recognitions including TIME 100 Most Influential Companies, Fast Company Most Innovative Companies, MTV VMAs, and the VES Emerging Technology Award.

• Developed a proprietary AI production pricing tool for the film HERE, helping optimize budgeting for AI-driven visual effects—earning her an official IMDb credit.

• Secured $3.3 million in non-dilutive R&D funding through HMRC tax credits, with all submissions approved without investigation—demonstrating her unmatched credibility and precision in AI finance.

• Co-founded Global Turks in AI, a Silicon Valley–based think tank (NGO) that connects top Turkish professionals in AI and empowers young women to enter the field.

• ‍ Built and scaled business and finance teams from the ground up, hiring over 50 engineers and operators and implementing key systems across finance, HR, and reporting.

• Active contributor to Forbes Finance Council, publishing thought leadership on AI commercialization, startup funding, and cross-border innovation strategy.

• Mentors and champions young women in tech, helping reshape leadership in AI by fostering inclusivity, representation, and opportunity across global communities.