Kleiner Perkins-Backed Voice AI Startup Keplar Disrupts Traditional Market Research
For years, Fortune 500 companies have relied on market research firms to gain insights into customer satisfaction, often facing high costs and lengthy timelines. However, a new startup named Keplar is revolutionizing this process by utilizing voice AI technology to conduct customer interviews more efficiently and affordably. Recently, Keplar announced it has secured $3.2 million in seed funding, led by Kleiner Perkins, to further enhance its innovative platform.
Innovative Approach to Market Research
Keplar was founded in 2023 by Dhruv Guliani, a former Google engineer specializing in speech and voice AI, and William Wen, a machine learning engineer. Their journey began during the South Park Commons founder fellowship program, where they engaged with market researchers and brand managers. Through these discussions, they identified a significant gap in the market: traditional methods, such as written surveys and human-led interviews, could be effectively replaced by conversational AI technology. This realization sparked the creation of Keplar, which aims to streamline the research process for companies.
With Keplar’s platform, businesses can initiate studies in mere minutes. The system transforms any product-related question into an interview guide, allowing the AI voice assistant to engage with participants. This assistant asks targeted questions to uncover customer preferences and dislikes. If granted access to a client’s customer relationship management (CRM) system, the AI can directly contact existing customers, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their experiences.
Efficiency and Realism in AI Conversations
Keplar’s technology leverages advancements in voice AI, making interactions feel remarkably authentic. According to Guliani, the quality of the conversations is so high that participants often forget they are speaking to an AI. The AI voice researcher can engage in discussions that feel genuine, with participants even addressing the AI by name. This level of realism enhances the quality of insights gathered, as customers are more likely to express their true feelings in a conversational setting.
Once the interviews are completed, Keplar compiles the findings into detailed reports and PowerPoint presentations, mirroring the outputs typically generated by human market researchers. This approach not only saves time but also significantly reduces costs for companies seeking valuable customer insights.
Competitive Landscape and Future Prospects
Keplar is not alone in its mission to disrupt the customer research industry. It faces competition from larger players like Outset, which recently raised $17 million in a Series A funding round, and Listen Labs, which secured $27 million from Sequoia. Despite the competition, Keplar has already attracted notable clients, including Clorox and Intercom, demonstrating its potential to carve out a significant niche in the market.
As the demand for faster and more cost-effective market research continues to grow, Keplar’s innovative use of voice AI positions it well for future success. The startup’s ability to provide timely and actionable insights could redefine how companies approach customer satisfaction research, making it an exciting player to watch in the evolving landscape of market analysis.
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