David Byron Drake
Founder, RedDep
Founder of RedDep, an independent AI consulting firm built on the belief that AI tools should expand human capability, not create dependency. Silicon Valley veteran, former Y Combinator CTO, and startup CEO — I help leaders and organizations navigate AI with clarity, honesty, and a focus on lasting autonomy.
For 18 years, I've been writing about the intersection of ambition, technology, and modern life. My work has reached hundreds of thousands of readers and appeared in Sky News and The Huffington Post. With a background that bridges Theatre and Computer Science, I bring both performance and precision to my work — comfortable on stage, in front of a camera, or deep in a terminal.
I post daily on Substack and weekly on Medium. My earlier work lives at randomdrake.com.
When I'm not writing or consulting on AI, I pursue deep research in cannabinoid science. I'm also an avid home cook who finds stillness in the kitchen. I live in Oregon with my wife and daughter. Lover of good humans, strong coffee, and the outdoors. Lifelong learner. Former actor. Science nerd with a Commodore 64 tattoo.
Work With Me
Through RedDep, I offer AI consulting sessions for leaders, teams, and organizations ready to integrate AI with intention. No forms, no friction — just honest guidance from someone who's built at every level of the stack.
Advisory
AI guidance & strategy
Technical Deep Dive
Architecture & prompt engineering
Executive Strategy
C-suite AI governance
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GitHub Dashboard
Real-time analytics across my open-source work — language breakdowns, commit activity, CI/CD pipeline runs, and Claude API integration metrics. A live window into how I build with human-AI collaboration.
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Commit Feed
Multi
Language Analytics
Claude
API Metrics
CI/CD
Pipeline Status
I Will Not Drink With You Today
366 Days of Stillness, Sobriety, and Presence
A daily reader grounded in Stoic philosophy and practical wisdom. Moving beyond the standard memoir, it offers 366 reflections designed to help anyone navigate the quiet work of sobriety. It serves as a steady companion for those seeking to reclaim their agency and build a meaningful life, one day at a time.
Cannabis Research
My work spans the full landscape of cannabinoid science — from biosynthesis pathways and receptor pharmacology to the therapeutic potential of minor cannabinoids. I bring the same rigor I apply to AI research to understanding the endocannabinoid system and the plant chemistry that interacts with it.
Cannabinoid synthesis pathways — from precursor molecules to major and minor cannabinoids.
Speaking & Interviews
Available for podcasts, panels, and keynotes on AI strategy, engineering leadership, cannabinoid science, building calm systems, creative practice for technologists, intentional work, and sobriety.
Let's connect
david@randomdrake.com© 2026 David Byron Drake. All rights reserved.
Made with ♥ in Portland, OR