Curious Factor founders Dr. Han Xu, Sam Zheng and David Mckeague. Picture Credit: Curious Factor
Sydney-based Curious Thing is an aptly named startup. The voice AI communication platform can name individuals and ask them questions like “How are you feeling at present?” after which comply with up with “How does it really feel in comparison with yesterday?” Used primarily by well being and monetary firms, Curious Factor introduced at present it has raised $7 million AUD (about $4.8 million USD) in pre-Collection A funding led by Hawkstone with participation from Black Sheep Capital, January Capital and returning traders Reinventure and Qualgro.
Curious Factor was based in 2018 by CEO Sam Zheng, CTO Dr. Han Xu and chief technique officer David Mckeague as an HR tech firm, earlier than pivoting to voice AI this yr. The corporate says its platform has processed greater than 3 million minutes of AI-human conversations to date. Its shoppers embrace Foodpanda, Quitline, Calvary and Medibank, Brighte, Humm Group and several other state and native governments.
Zheng informed TechCrunch “as a substitute of answering questions like ‘what’s the climate at present?’ we thought, can we are able to construct an AI that’s designed to ask open-context questions and importantly derive insights from individuals?”
“It’s a voice AI as a result of the voice cellphone name carries the suitable attribute of being proactive and immediate to encourage prospects to share extra,” he added. “We all know that for a similar query, persons are extra more likely to share if they’re speaking.”
Zheng stated he often describes Curious Factor to shoppers as “proactive buyer care.” Within the well being sector, it’s used for every day check-ins on sufferers. For instance, the corporate labored with a number of state governments in Australia to name COVID sufferers about their scenario and signs, so clinicians may give them the proper of help. Within the monetary providers and fintech industries, Curious Factor’s use instances embrace onboarding help, info validation, fee reminders and lapsed buyer suggestions assortment.
Another examples of questions Curious Factor can ask embrace: “You’ve got an appointment on Friday. Can I please verify that you’re coming?” adopted by “Do it is advisable reschedule?” if a affected person says no. Within the monetary providers business, it might ask individuals issues like “Your membership has expired. Would you rethink renewing if we provide you with 10% off?,” “Can I please perceive why you determined to cease utilizing our service?” and “Thanks for utilizing our service. Is there any suggestions you may share with us?”
About 85% of Curious Factor’s income presently comes from Australia, and a part of its new funding can be used to increase in Southeast Asia and the US, Zheng stated. It additionally plans to rent for its tech workforce.
Leave a Reply