Boardy Secures $3M Pre-Seed Funding

In a game-changing announcement, Boardy, the innovative professional networking startup utilizing AI voice technology, has successfully closed a $3 million pre-seed funding round. This substantial investment marks a significant step in a mission to reshape the way professionals connect.

Founders and Launch

Founded by a dynamic team consisting of CEO Andrew D'Souza, Matt Stein, Shen Sivananthan, and brothers Ankur and Abhinav Boyed, Boardy began its journey in March of this year. After months of development, the platform has officially launched, bringing a fresh approach to networking.

How Boardy Works

So how does Boardy work? Upon sharing their phone number with Boardy.ai, users receive a call from an AI voice assistant named Boardy. Users can engage in conversation with Boardy, discussing their current projects and networking needs. With access to a growing network—comprising thousands of professionals, investors, and creators—Boardy intelligently analyzes connections that may be beneficial to the user. This powerful tool is designed for professionals eager to meet potential customers, investors, and collaborators.

AI-Powered Connections

D’Souza elaborated on Boardy’s capabilities, explaining that the AI recognizes suitable connections based on shared experiences and compatibility. If a promising connection is identified, Boardy can facilitate an introduction via email—a process that users can revisit weekly for new networking opportunities.

Addressing Loneliness Through AI

One of the driving forces behind Boardy's creation is the growing loneliness epidemic impacting society, particularly in the United States. D'Souza highlights a concern that while AI technology can lead to isolation, Boardy aims to harness AI for positive human connections rather than deepen the divide. “We built Boardy to create a better future, where AI actually makes us more connected to each other,” he stated.

D’Souza’s Background

Prior to launching Boardy, D’Souza co-founded Clearco, a significant player in the e-commerce industry. After nearly a decade at the helm, he chose to step back, allowing the company to evolve under new leadership while he embarked on this new venture.

Investor Support

The fundraising process for Boardy was facilitated by D’Souza's extensive network from Clearco. Notable investors in this round include HF0, 8VC, Precursor, Afore, FJ Labs, and NextView, reflecting strong support from well-respected figures in the investment community.

Future Plans and Competition

With the funds raised, Boardy plans to enhance its AI capabilities, striving for a smarter and more empathetic assistant that can better serve its users. Additionally, the team is focused on expanding the platform’s user base to enrich the networking experience.

Currently, Boardy faces minimal competition, although similar AI-driven networking companies, such as Butterflies and SocialAI, exist. D’Souza maintains that Boardy sets itself apart by emphasizing the agent's autonomy; "You can’t tell Boardy what to do, which is actually what makes him more trustworthy,” he notes.

Conclusion

This fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and professional networking is set to transform how we connect, reflecting a hopeful future where technology fosters genuine relationships rather than replacing them. Keep your eyes on Boardy as it continues to grow, potentially redefining networking for professionals everywhere!