Ethosphere: Bringing AI Coaching to Retail’s Frontline

The Big Apple, where everything moves at a frenetic pace, is no stranger to innovation. Yet, even here, the hustle and bustle of retail feels a bit behind the times. Most stores have digitized supply chains and shopping carts, but the in-store vibe? Still analog. Enter Ethosphere, a Seattle-based startup that’s changing the game by adding some AI juice to the mix. Let’s dive into how they’re shaking things up!

Turning Conversations into Coaching

In an exclusive sit-down with TFN, co-founder and CEO Evan Smith laid it out straight: “We snag chats between associates and customers through microphones, then use AI to offer tailored coaching. Managers get the scoop on who needs a boost, and brands see how stores are doing. Every chat becomes a chance to learn.”

Smith’s journey started in K-12 education, then zigzagged through McKinsey and e-commerce startups before hitting Starbucks. There, he saw AI not as a job-stealer, but as a helper. “Store managers are always firefighting. AI hands them powers they never dreamed of,” he says.

Ahad Rana, the company’s co-founder and CTO, brings tech chops from gigs at Google, AWS, and AOL. This duo gives Ethosphere the tech muscle it needs to run like a well-oiled machine.

A Human-First Approach

Ethosphere is all about making tech work for people, not replacing them. Sri Chandrasekar from Point72 Ventures vouches for this approach, saying Ethosphere stands out by enhancing, not replacing, human interactions.

Right now, there’s no direct competition, though Smith suggests folks keep comparing them to enterprise sales tools. “Retail is different. You can’t rewind a customer leaving the store,” he quips.

Funding and Expansion

The startup just snagged a $2.5 million pre-seed round led by Point72 Ventures, with support from AI2 Incubator, Carya Ventures, and others. The dough’s gonna fuel pilot expansions and scale their AI platform.

Ethosphere’s team, boasting diversity across five countries, believes various perspectives make products and culture stronger. By 2026, they expect to back thousands of retail associates. Their tech might even venture beyond retail, into any sector relying on face-to-face charm.

The Future of Retail

Retail, being the biggest employer out there, got shaken by the pandemic. Now, with a fresh batch of eager workers, there’s a need to rethink job support. Smith wraps it up saying, “We’re about boosting confidence and joy at work.”

So, as our bustling city blazes forward, Ethosphere is ensuring retail doesn’t get left in the dust. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning!