# Carlos Shields

> XR Developer | Creative Technologist | Founder With Multiple Exits in AI/VR • Unity/Unreal Expert • MR Reseacher

Location: San Francisco Bay Area, United States
Profile: https://flows.cv/carlosshields

Leveraging expertise in Unity/Unreal Engine to bridge the gap between imagination and reality. Co-founder of multiple successful ventures including Sidekicks.ai, where we pioneered the first holographic AI assistant, and RaxPlay, which reached a $5.5M valuation through innovative XR solutions.
🎯 Core Focus:

Developing immersive XR experiences and AI-powered solutions
Architecting spatial computing applications
Leading technical innovation in virtual/augmented reality
Creating user-centric design in emerging technologies

🏆 Key Achievements:

Secured $1.1M+ in funding through VC and crowdfunding initiatives
Launched groundbreaking holographic AI assistant deployed across 3 countries
Scaled technical operations from concept to market-ready products
Developed enterprise VR solutions for industry leaders including Cisco
Recognized in global top 50 startups at premier international deep-tech event

🛠️ Technical Toolkit:
Unity | Unreal Engine | C# | C++ | AI/ML Integration | Spatial Computing | WebXR
Currently pursuing Master's in Virtual Reality at University of the Arts London, focusing on the intersection of AI and immersive technologies.

## Work Experience
### VC Analyst @ Think.sa
Jan 2025 – Present

### Head of Technical Operations @ PeakIT
Jan 2023 – Present

### Investment Partner @ H1.vc
Jan 2023 – Present

### Co-Founder/Chief Metaverse Officer @ Sidekicks.ai
Jan 2022 – Present
We have created an essential new family member for every modern household. 

Sidekicks Co. is the first holographic AI assistant. 

With AI and IOT invading our lives; we need a central UX which can help us control all the complications that come with these technologies. Something more than buttons and sounds.. Something with a more human-friendly user experience.
 
Sidekicks Co. is an attempt to just do that. We believe humans should not interact with an object or sound-only devices. As humans, we need more. We need proactive lively characters full of emotions, combined with the accuracy and benefits of today's AI.

SidekicksCo. is the first platform to link AI with amazing visuals and licensing from top media providers from around the world. So yes, with Sidekicks Co. you can finally breathe life into your favorite childhood hero and let him help you in your everyday tasks.

### Co-Founder/Technical Product Director @ Empress Naturals
Jan 2021 – Present
Led development of technical products and digital platforms, increasing user engagement to 40,000 monthly visits
Directed team of 8 across 3 states, implementing product strategy and technical solutions
Built and scaled operations to achieve $60k+ in ARR through technical product initiatives

### Partner/Product Design Prototyper @ INVAR Global Studios
Jan 2020 – Present | San Francisco Bay Area
● Lead a successful fundraise of $50k+ for a film project. I created marketing assets, led team meetings, reached out to donors, and kept the team on track.
● Used Webflow and Figma to recreate our website and brand assets to be attractive to new clients and investors
● Implemented new technology to pipeline including, immersive techniques, new camera rigs, & Unreal Virtual Production

### Co-Founder/Technical Product Designer @ RaxPlay
Jan 2019 – Jan 2025 | Greater Detroit Area
● Developed and prototyped 3D demos using Unreal Engine for technical visualization and client implementation
● Led technical documentation and project roadmaps for VR/AR initiatives, coordinating cross-functional development teams
● Built $500k ARR through technical solutions and enterprise client partnerships
● Achieved $5.5M valuation through technical product development and market-ready XR solutions

### VR Developer @ Cisco
Jan 2022 – Jan 2022
Developed highly optimized VR experiences using Unity, resulting in smooth performance on limited hardware resources

Layered sound effects to create immersive game experiences, utilizing existing libraries and custom recordings

Utilized Unity's animation systems to create natural character behaviors, bringing virtual environments to life

Modeled, textured, and baked lighting for realistic environments, including architectural visualization quality environments for Oculus/Meta Quest 2 VR device

Optimized character assets, including creating and using LODs and texture atlases to maintain high framerate

Successfully completed multiple projects within tight deadlines, collaborating with team members to ensure exceptional project outcomes

Continuously researched and integrated the latest Unity development techniques and tools, resulting in cutting-edge VR experiences.

### Student Intern @ Pyramind Music & Audio Production Institute
Jan 2021 – Jan 2021 | San Francisco Bay Area
● Used Sound Design to create brand assets for the company
● Helped with studio setup, upkeep, and equipment
● Consulted with owner about Unreal Engine projects and the implementation of spatial audio


## Education
### Master's degree in Virtual Reality
University of the Arts London

### Business Implications of Extended Reality (XR): Harnessing the Value of AR in VR, Metaverse, and More
MIT Sloan Executive Education

### Bachelor's degree in Pre-Law Studies
Wayne State University

### Draper University


## Contact & Social
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/carlosshields

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Source: https://flows.cv/carlosshields
JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/carlosshields/resume.json
Last updated: 2026-04-13