Robert Hamwee is Founder and CEO of Authors First, a New York-based book-to-screen studio and distribution platform that uses AI-enabled production tools to bring beloved literary works to life with authors holding final-cut approval.

Rob spent three decades in private equity and institutional finance, including 18 years at New Mountain Capital where he served as Managing Director and CEO of its Business Development Company, NMFC, and previously held roles at The Blackstone Group and GSC Group.

A lifelong fan of historical fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy, Rob launched Authors First after recognizing that many beloved books could never clear traditional Hollywood production budgets, and set out to change that with AI-powered tools.

Authors First emerged from stealth in October 2026 with over $10 million in seed funding led by Brand Foundry, with participation from Bolt Ventures, The Family Office of David Blitzer, and other notable investors.

The studio's leadership team brings experience from Amazon, Hulu, Paramount, Sony, Universal, and Warner Bros., and its debut project is a six-episode adaptation of Conn Iggulden's Genghis Khan epic, with Robert also serving as Chairman of Venezia FC.