Natalie Monbiot is an emerging media and technology strategist, and pioneer in the field of AI, virtual humans, and generative video technologies. As Founder of VHE she advises startups, brands and VC funds on leveraging the intersection of AI and human identity to create meaningful, real-world impact. As a founding team member and former Head of Strategy at Hour One, Natalie has been instrumental in building one of the first AI avatar startups, and building the AI video category from the ground up. She’s an advocate for responsible virtual human development, and the "virtual human economy"— where individuals can profit from their AI-powered digital selves – the topic of her recent TEDx talk. A recognized thought leader, speaker and opinion writer, Natalie’s insights appear in top publications like The Wall Street Journal and The Information. Her work has driven brand innovation for Samsung, BMW, and Coca-Cola, among others. With a Master’s in Modern Languages and Literature from Oxford, she frequently speaks on AI’s transformative role in media, earning accolades including Fast Company's Next Big Things in Tech and Cannes Lions Gold.