AI Startup Co-Founded by DeepMind Scientist Emerges with $3.25 Million in Funding
Ethos: A New AI-Driven Start-Up Emerges
A new player in the world of artificial intelligence has officially unveiled itself, raising $3.25 million in funding, primarily backed by General Catalyst. Known as Ethos, this startup combines consulting and recruitment services, presenting innovative solutions for connecting talents with opportunities.
The Vision Behind Ethos
Co-founded by Daniel Mankowitz, a former research scientist at Google DeepMind, Ethos aims to revolutionize the way professionals network and find opportunities. Mankowitz, who brings substantial expertise from his six-year tenure at DeepMind, has highlighted the startup’s primary goal: to match individuals with the right opportunities using advanced AI technology.
In a recent LinkedIn post, Mankowitz stated, “We’ve started by completely reinventing the traditional expert network.” This suggests that Ethos intends to take a fresh approach to how clients engage with industry experts.
How Ethos Operates
Ethos has developed a platform that leverages artificial intelligence to facilitate the connection between clients and professionals. The process includes:
AI-Driven Insights: The Ethos platform scans through hundreds of millions of profiles to identify the most suitable experts for specific client needs.
Seamless Booking: Clients can easily schedule calls with selected experts, making the whole experience user-friendly and efficient.
- Fair Compensation: The startup ensures that professionals receive appropriate compensation for their time and expertise, fostering a supportive community for talent.
Future Goals of Ethos
Mankowitz outlined several exciting developments for Ethos. The startup plans to expand its services to include:
Connecting Advisors with Startups: Helping new companies find experienced mentors.
Linking Speakers to Events: Assisting organizations in finding the right speakers for their events.
- Facilitating Talent Acquisition: Aiding individuals in discovering transformative career opportunities.
The Team Behind Ethos
In addition to Mankowitz, Ethos has another notable co-founder, James Lo, who serves as the CEO. Lo’s background includes roles at McKinsey and the SoftBank Vision Fund, bringing a wealth of experience in investment and consulting to the startup.
Investment and Support
The funding round saw participation from several prominent investors, showcasing confidence in Ethos’s vision. Alongside General Catalyst, other contributors include:
- Conviction
- 8VC
- Common Magic
- Interface Capital
- Various angel investors
This support not only provides financial backing but also lends credibility and resources as Ethos develops its platform further.
The Expertise of Daniel Mankowitz
Prior to co-founding Ethos, Daniel Mankowitz led various projects at DeepMind, particularly in the realm of reinforcement learning. This experience has positioned him well to understand both the technical and practical applications of AI in business.
Summary of Ethos’s Offerings
- AI-powered expert matching
- User-friendly scheduling
- Fair pay for experts
- Community-building among professionals
Ethos stands as a testament to the innovative potential of AI in reshaping traditional business practices. With its unique approach to connecting talent and opportunity, it is poised to make a significant impact in the recruitment and consultancy sectors.
