James Donald is the Co-Founder and CEO of Ideally, an AI-powered market research platform purpose-built for creativity and innovation that replaces slow, legacy research processes with fast, embedded consumer insights.

James holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland, and previously co-founded Yonder, an AI chatbot and review platform for the tourism industry that was acquired by TOMIS in 2024.

James has built two venture-backed technology companies from New Zealand, demonstrating a track record of identifying underserved markets and building category-defining platforms that attract global customers.

Ideally raised a $16M Series A led by Shearwater Capital, with Altered Capital, Icehouse Ventures, and Ecliptic VC, reaching a valuation of over $100M in just over two years since founding.

Ideally has achieved 750% growth between 2024 and 2026, partnered with 250+ brands across APAC and the US including Google, Burger King, and Treasury Wine Estates, and grown US revenue by 350% since opening its New York office.