Summary:
Boardy raises $3 million in pre-seed funding to enhance networking via AI voice technology.
Users connect with Boardy by sharing their projects, allowing the AI to facilitate meaningful professional introductions.
Addresses the loneliness epidemic by promoting human connections instead of replacing them with AI companions.
D’Souza aims to use the funds to improve Boardy’s AI capabilities and expand its network.
Boardy stands out in the market as it prioritizes user needs while maintaining trustworthiness.
Boardy: An Innovative AI Networking Solution
Boardy, a groundbreaking professional networking startup powered by AI voice technology, has successfully raised $3 million in a pre-seed funding round. Co-founded by Andrew D’Souza and brothers Ankur and Abhinav Boyed, Boardy officially launched this month after a summer of development.
How Boardy Works
The process is straightforward: users provide their phone numbers to Boardy.ai and receive a call from an AI voice assistant named Boardy. During the call, users share their current projects, and Boardy searches its network for potential connections. The network, which currently includes a few thousand members, originated from D’Souza’s own connections with investors, founders, and creators. Boardy is particularly useful for those seeking to meet customers and investors, as well as finding co-founders and entering accelerator programs.
Facilitating Connections
If Boardy identifies a suitable connection, it facilitates a double-opt-in introduction. Once both parties agree, Boardy introduces them via email. Users can call Boardy weekly for new introductions, enhancing their networking opportunities.
Addressing Loneliness Through AI
D’Souza's motivation for starting Boardy stems from the loneliness epidemic in America, exacerbated by social media. While many AI companies focus on creating AI companions, Boardy aims to foster human connections. D’Souza envisions a future where AI enhances human interaction rather than replacing it.
The Journey and Future Plans
Prior to Boardy, D’Souza co-founded Clearco, an e-commerce platform. Fundraising was facilitated by connections made through Clearco, with notable investors including HF0, 8VC, Precursor, Afore, FJ Labs, and NextView. The new capital will be used to further develop Boardy’s AI capabilities, making it smarter and more empathetic, while also expanding its personal network.
Competitive Landscape
Currently, Boardy faces limited competition in the AI social networking sector, with other companies like Butterflies and SocialAI in the space. D’Souza believes Boardy’s approach is unique, emphasizing that the AI agent prioritizes the needs of its users without compromising others in its network, which enhances its trustworthiness.
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