Teens Secure $500K for AI Startup & Simplifying Immigrant Job Hunts
From high school success stories to major tech expansions, explore the latest in AI innovation and enterprise developments.
This is the fourth edition of The AI Conversation, and we’re wrapping up the month of June. This week, we spotlight young innovators making waves in the AI startup scene, some major tech acquisitions, and an AI tool that will help you design websites like a pro!
As we complete our first month, we’re eager to hear your thoughts and feedback. Is our newsletter structure resonating with you? Are there topics you'd like us to explore further? Help us shape the future of this newsletter by leaving a comment below. 😉
Top 5 Stories This Week
1. High School Teens Raise $500K Seed Round for AI Startup APIGen
Christopher Fitzgerald and Nicholas Van Landschoot, two recent high school graduates, have raised a $500,000 pre-seed investment for their startup, APIGen, which builds custom APIs from natural language prompts.
APIGen, backed by Carana Capital, aims to simplify API creation, allowing businesses to request complex, custom APIs through natural language prompts. Examples include APIs for e-commerce backend integration, IoT device management, and facial recognition for security systems. The duo's entrepreneurial journey began with a chatbot project, leading them to this innovative venture. Despite being in the pre-MVP stage, APIGen has already caught the eye of businesses and the local Boulder AI community.
APIGen's success story highlights the potential of young entrepreneurs in the tech industry and the growing interest in AI-powered solutions. The startup's ability to simplify API creation could revolutionize how businesses develop and integrate software, making complex API development more accessible.
With strong investor backing and promising technology, APIGen is well-positioned to significantly impact the API development market. As Fitzgerald and Van Landschoot continue to refine their product, their journey exemplifies the innovative spirit driving the next generation of tech entrepreneurs.
2. Meta Launches AI Chatbot for All Users in India
Meta has expanded access to its Llama 3-powered AI chatbot to all users in India, offering enhanced interactions on WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, and Facebook, supporting only English.
Meta began testing the chatbot in India in April, but the full rollout was delayed due to the general elections. Users can now access the chatbot through the search bar in Meta’s apps and via the Meta.AI website. Meta AI can perform tasks similar to other chatbots like suggesting recipes, planning workouts, and summarizing text. On Instagram, it can suggest Reels, and on Facebook, it can provide contextual information based on posts. The chatbot also generates images based on prompts, although previous tests revealed biases in image generation.
Meta's AI chatbot offers enhanced interaction for India’s extensive user base, including 500 million WhatsApp users. The chatbot can assist in individual and group chats, aiding in activities like trip planning and movie selection. However, users cannot turn off or hide the chatbot functionality, although they can choose not to engage with it.
Meta’s rollout of its AI chatbot to all users in India marks a significant expansion of its AI capabilities, aiming to provide useful and interactive features across its platforms and improve and enhance user experience and engagement.
3. OpenAI Acquires Remote Collaboration Platform Multi
OpenAI has acquired Multi, a startup focused on enterprise video-first collaboration, strengthening its enterprise solutions. The deal is technically an acqui-hire, with most of Multi’s team joining OpenAI.
OpenAI’s acquisition of Multi follows its recent purchase of database tech firm Rockset. Multi, co-founded by Alexander Embiricos and Charley Ho, offered a Zoom-based platform for remote teams, featuring collaborative screen sharing, customizable shortcuts, and automatic deep links for code and documents. Multi will shut down after July 24. The acquisition aligns with OpenAI’s strategy of investing in enterprise solutions, following its successful ChatGPT corporate tier and agreements with firms like PwC.
This acquisition strengthens OpenAI’s enterprise capabilities, potentially integrating video conferencing and remote collaboration features into its AI offerings. OpenAI’s focus on enterprise solutions has already shown significant revenue growth, with projections exceeding $3.4 billion this year.
OpenAI’s acquisition of Multi underscores its commitment to enhancing enterprise solutions and expanding its AI capabilities. As OpenAI continues to innovate, the integration of remote collaboration features could further solidify its position in the enterprise market.
4. TechWolf Raises $43M to Revolutionize Internal Recruiting with AI
Belgium-based startup TechWolf raised $43 million in a Series B funding round to expand its AI-powered internal recruiting platform. They aim to help organizations better manage and understand their internal talent through data-driven insights.
Founded in 2018, TechWold has developed an AI engine that analyzes internal workflows to assess employees’ skills and interests. The platform integrates with project trackers, documentation systems, and research repositories to provide accurate insights for managers and recruiters. The funding round was led by Felix Capital, with participation from SAP, ServiceNow, and Workday, among others. This investment brings TechWolf’s valuation to around $150 million.
TechWolf’s technology helps organizations better manage their internal talent, improving project assignments, training, and internal mobility, enhancing overall productivity and employee satisfaction.
With strong investor backing and a focused approach to solving the skills identification problem, TechWolf is poised to make a substantial impact in the HR tech space. The company’s AI platform offers a promising solution for organizations looking to optimize their internal talent management.
5. Jobright Uses AI to Simplify Job Hunting for Foreign Workers in the US
Jobright, a California-based startup, leverages AI to simplify job searching for foreign workers in the U.S. The platform offers features tailored to the unique challenges faced by immigrants, including an “H1-B filter” that identifies job postings from companies likely to sponsor work visas.
Founded by Eric Cheng, an immigrant who understands the struggles of foreign workers in the U.S. The platform uses LLMs to create an AI agent that acts as a personalized headhunter. AI interprets candidates' experience and recommends compatible jobs, scores positions based on fit, and helps find LinkedIn contacts for referrals. Since its launch in April, Jobright has amassed 50,000 users, with around 30% being foreign workers. The platform's H1-B filter, based on USCIS data, has been particularly popular among job seekers from India and China.
Jobright addresses the significant challenges faced by foreign workers in finding a job in the U.S., that sponsors work visas and navigating the complex job market. With personalized job recommendations and leveraging AI to reduce information asymmetry, Jobright enhances the job search experience for mid- to senior-level professionals.
Jobright’s innovative approach and AI-driven features position it as a valuable tool for foreign workers in the U.S, aiming to further simplify and improve the job search process for immigrants.
AI Tool of the Week
Framer: Revolutionize Your Web Design with AI Magic
Want to build a stunning website without the headaches? Say hello to Framer! This dynamic website builder is your new best friend for crafting high-quality landing pages and sleek web designs. Whether you're just starting or you're a web design wizard, Framer's got your back with its super easy-to-use interface, customizable templates, and a ton of powerful features. Think of it as a perfect blend of Webflow, Wix, and WordPress, but with its unique flair.
Let’s dive into what makes Framer the go-to tool for anyone looking to build beautiful, SEO-optimized websites.
Key Features:
Custom Content Management System: Tailor your content with ease
AI-Enhanced Website Builder: Let AI do the heavy work in your design process
SEO and Performance Optimization: Boost your site's visibility and speed
Visual Effects and Animations: Add effects with a few clicks to capture your audience's attention instantly
Advanced Forms, simple setup: Capture all the info you need from visitors with Framer's Forms, no coding required
Who’s it for?
Framer is perfect for designers, creative professionals, and anyone who wants to build stunning websites without technical headaches.
Real World Applications:
Framer for website creation - Framer AI allows you to design websites effortlessly. Click the “Insert” button, select the AI option, and describe your vision. Framer will generate a tailored website, which you can then adjust to fit your brand. It’s a great way to avoid starting from scratch, though some manual tweaks may be needed to add a more personal touch and make the website truly yours.
Templates for different applications - For a quick start, explore Framer's pre-built templates accessible via the “Insert” button. Customize these templates or purchase additional ones from Framer’s marketplace. You can also import designs from platforms like Figma to make your workflow seamless.
Reviews:
“Easy to build a website with templates and drag-and-drop features. A huge collection of free website elements that can be simply adapted to your website. Switch from Webflow to Framer, and our life is less stressful now.” - (Review from Product Hunt)
“A must-have tool for designers and solopreneurs. Quick and easy way of converting the design to an actual website…. Though it is not yet suitable for very complex websites, it is worth the money. I would be happy to see a few more integrations with widely used platforms.” (Review from Product Hunt)
Accessibility:
Free plan available;
Mini plan: $5/site/month;
Basic plan: $15/site/month;
Pro plan: $30/site/month;
Enterprise plan: Custom pricing
Discover more in Framer’s pricing plan.
Overall:
Framer is a great choice for design teams and creative pros who need advanced prototyping and real-time collaboration. It's perfect for those with technical skills who enjoy detailed design work. If you appreciate intricate designs, Framer is definitely worth trying.
Thanks for making it to the end of June’s last AI Conversation newsletter! Don’t forget to subscribe and get the most relevant AI insights and tools delivered straight to your inbox this summer.
Stay curious, stay informed, and see you next Friday!
The AI Conversation team 💪🤖