Christina Chen Featured in W Magazine’s Women in AI & Technology Issue
Christina Chen, CEO and Founder of First AI Group, has been featured in W Magazine’s Women in AI & Technology issue, as part of its Inspiring Female Founders series.
The feature explores Christina’s journey from early fascination with technology to building one of the UK’s leading AI adoption and talent companies, highlighting her mission to ensure that artificial intelligence becomes accessible, practical, and human-centred.
From an early curiosity sparked by imagining everyday objects powered by intelligence, to studying computer science at the University of Cambridge and later joining Microsoft as a software engineer, Christina’s career has been defined by a deep interest in how technology translates into real-world impact.
Before founding First AI, Christina also carved an unconventional path into the world of venture capital and early-stage innovation, gaining firsthand insight into how technology companies scale and how ideas become impactful businesses. That experience shaped her understanding of a consistent challenge across industries: the gap between AI capability and organisational adoption.
This insight became the foundation for First AI.
Today, First AI works with leading organisations across legal, financial, and private equity sectors to bridge the gap between AI potential and practical implementation. Rather than focusing solely on tools, First AI embeds capability directly into organisations through its unique model:
AI Adoption – enabling teams to use tools such as Microsoft Copilot effectively through training, champions programmes, and embedded support
AI Build – developing bespoke AI agents and workflow automation tailored to business needs
AI Talent – placing certified AI Engineers and Adoption Managers directly inside organisations to build long-term capability
Through its Generative AI Graduate Programme, First AI is also developing the next generation of AI professionals, creating a direct pathway for graduates into high-impact roles such as AI Adoption Managers and Agent Engineers. This model not only addresses the AI talent shortage but also opens doors for individuals entering a highly competitive job market.
At the heart of Christina’s leadership is a strong belief in inclusion and access. Of Chinese heritage and a first-generation voice in parts of the UK tech ecosystem, she has often spoken about the importance of creating pathways for those who may not traditionally see themselves represented in AI or leadership roles. Today, First AI actively supports diversity in technology by building accessible entry points into AI careers and prioritising talent potential over pedigree.
“Technology alone doesn’t drive change — people do.”