Derek Leon is the founder and editor-in-chief of AI Freands, an independent review platform for AI companion apps and consumer AI tools.
With over 15 years of experience as an independent digital strategist, Derek has built and operated online projects across SEO, content strategy, and affiliate operations. He's watched the internet evolve through multiple major shifts — from the early SEO era through the mobile transition, content marketing boom, and now the generative AI revolution reshaping consumer software.
AI Freands was founded on a simple observation: most AI companion app reviews online were either obvious affiliate fluff or outdated one-offs. Derek launched the site to fill that gap with hands-on testing, clear methodology, honest rankings, and a commitment to never accepting payment for placement.
Derek personally tests every app that reaches the top 10 in our rankings. He leads editorial strategy, maintains the ranking methodology, and oversees all content operations.
