Natalie Doran: From Copywriting to AI Leadership, Breaking Barriers in Tech

Natalie Doran’s professional journey is anything but conventional. As the co-founder and CEO of Singapore-headquartered Lytehouse, a leading platform in physical security that uses cutting-edge AI for real-time threat detection, Doran has transformed from a creative copywriter to a deep-tech entrepreneur. But her story is about more than career pivots; it’s about challenging norms, overcoming biases, and setting new standards for women in technology.

In an exclusive interview with Collective for Equality, Doran shared her path to becoming a leading figure in AI and how she navigates the tech world as a female founder, offering insights into her experiences, challenges, and the future of her work.

Non-Linear Career Path

Doran’s career began in the creative space. Originally from the UK, she started as a copywriter but soon realized her passion lay elsewhere. A pivotal moment came when she moved to Singapore at 23, seeking new opportunities and a fresh perspective.

“I began my career as a copywriter in the UK,” she recalls. “At 23, I packed my bags and moved to Singapore on a work holiday visa. I soon realized advertising wasn’t my passion, and I found myself gravitating toward tech startups.”

Her shift into tech was sparked at an International Women’s Day event, where she met an entrepreneur developing a children’s video game about global citizenship. From there, her role expanded into product development and business operations, setting her on a path to entrepreneurship.

“I was fascinated by the fast-paced nature of startups,” Doran explains. “It was a steep learning curve, but each experience prepared me for where I am today.”

Building Lytehouse

Doran’s venture, Lytehouse, stands at the intersection of AI and physical security. Co-founded in 2019, the company offers a command center platform that integrates computer vision, machine learning and Generative AI to address the inefficiencies in private security systems.

“99% of alarms in private security are false,” says Doran. “And many systems don’t communicate with each other, which makes them difficult to scale and reliant on excessive manpower. We saw an opportunity to change that.”

Lytehouse’s technology can analyze video footage in real-time, using AI to detect potential security threats and operational risks. Their recent partnership with Google, as one of only 26 companies selected for a generative AI video application, marks a significant leap in the industry.

“Our software creates a virtual workforce from existing CCTV systems,” she explains. “It’s highly useful for control rooms and warehouses, offering real-time visibility into potential risks.”

Challenges as a Female Founder

Being a female entrepreneur in tech comes with its own set of challenges, especially in raising capital and proving expertise. However, Doran’s experience has been largely positive in the physical security space, where solutions are urgently needed.

“Biases exist, but I’ve found that a strong product stands on its own,” Doran shares. “People are open to fresh perspectives, especially when existing solutions aren’t working. There’s an extra layer of scrutiny, sure, but once you demonstrate deep product knowledge, it strengthens the relationship.”

She also notes that while there have been moments where her gender brought added pressure, these challenges became opportunities to prove her value and build stronger partnerships.

“Fear could have held me back,” she says, “but instead, it’s been an opportunity to build trust and mutual respect.”

For Doran, the future of AI isn’t about replacing jobs but enhancing human potential by automating manual tasks and allowing people to focus on more meaningful work. Lytehouse aims to continue refining its AI agents and applying them across industries and regions.

“Our goal is to use AI to enhance human potential,” says Doran. “We’re focused on turning vast amounts of data into actionable insights, improving not just security but overall risk management for businesses.”

Aspiring Female Founders

When asked about advice for young girls aspiring to enter the tech world, Doran emphasizes confidence and mentorship.

“Don’t be afraid to use your voice,” she advises. “Whether your ideas succeed or not, it’s crucial to present them with confidence. The tech world is filled with opportunities, but you have to be willing to take risks and speak up.”

She also highlights the importance of mentorship, noting that both male and female mentors have been pivotal in her career.

“Mentorship is vital,” Doran says. “Having someone in your corner to champion your efforts makes all the difference.”

Doran is quick to point out that men play a crucial role in advancing gender equity in the workplace, particularly through mentorship and awareness of unconscious biases.

“Men in leadership roles can mentor young professionals and founders, helping to address career disparities,” she notes. “Understanding psychological biases—like how women might hesitate to apply for jobs if they don’t meet all criteria—can help ensure women are encouraged and given equal opportunities.”

Giving Back: Volunteering and Mentoring

Beyond her entrepreneurial work, Doran remains committed to mentoring and volunteering. As a former mentor with TalentTrust in Singapore, she provided marketing and communication expertise to startups. Her passion for guiding young founders, especially women, continues to be a priority.

“My goal is to help others see the transferability of skills from corporate roles to startups,” she says. “I want to show aspiring founders that storytelling, marketing, and creativity can play a huge role in building successful tech companies.”