Laura Burkhause

Laura Burkhauser is a distinguished technology executive and the CEO of Descript, the world’s leading AI-powered video and audio editing platform. In her role, Laura oversees the strategic vision for a $550 million company that is fundamentally changing how creators and enterprises produce content. Under her leadership, Descript has evolved from a transcript-based editor into a comprehensive, AI-native production ecosystem, highlighted by the launch of Underlord, the platform's AI co-editor. Her work focuses on the intersection of generative AI and human creativity, ensuring that complex technologies like agentic workflows give users "superpowers" to execute their creative vision faster, without replacing human oversight or intuition.

Prior to her appointment as CEO, Laura experienced a rapid ascent within Descript, rising from an IC Product Manager to Vice President of Product by building and shipping market-defining AI features. Before joining the company, she led product initiatives at high-scale tech and consumer brands including Twitter, Rent the Runway, and The Tote. A visionary in product strategy, Laura champions a Simulate, Automate, Delegate framework for AI integration and believes in leading teams with excitement rather than fear of disruption. She is a recognized voice in the SaaS and creator economies, frequently speaking on building scalable AI habits, empowering teams through vibe coding, and the future of human-centered product management.