Welcome back to another Startup Sitdown, an end-of-the-week series where I propose a directional arrow of progress and some interesting startups in line with that arrow.
A “directional arrow of progress” — a term coined by Josh Wolfe — means to identify the way an industry is trending, regardless of who the entrepreneurs or companies are. It is an inevitable path of growth.
Let’s get right into it…
Today’s directional arrow of progress:
the convergence of “human” and “machine” capabilities, enabled by artificial intelligence (AI)
So what do I mean by this?
In the past, comprehending and using language to solve complex problems was considered a “human-only” capability.
Obviously, there are several fields exploding within artificial intelligence (AI) — such as natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) — that enable machines to perform previously “human-only” capabilities in order to optimally solve vexing problems.
This adoption of human capabilities, like language, is an inevitable arrow of progress that we see in technology today.
We’ve all seen the YouTube ads and TikTok videos about Grammarly, the top player in the NLP startup space right now.
But what about some of the other, less-talked about startups in this space that are embracing AI, NLP and ML to solve problems like fighting financial crime or aiding public speaking skills?
Let’s check em out…
2-year-old AI-powered system using machine learning algorithms to fight financial crime — specifically the Ultimate Beneficial Ownership or “UBO” problem in anti-money laundering.
Recently raised $2.3 million in seed funding 🤑
1-year-old AI-powered speech coach on a mission to help people practice and improve their communication skills without the pressure of an audience.
Raised $1 million in pre-seed funding 🤑
VERN is a patented emotion recognition AI that works in real time, with no need to pre-train.
Machine learning-based platform to build and deploy natural language solutions to automate content, optimize processes, and take businesses to the next level.