In the quest for expert insights, companies often turn to platforms like LinkedIn or expert networks such as GLG and Alphasights. However, the challenge remains in acquiring high-quality advice despite these resources.
Ethos, a London-based startup, aims to transform this experience by leveraging artificial intelligence. The company introduces a voice-driven onboarding process that allows experts to provide a more comprehensive view of their knowledge beyond mere job titles. This innovative approach enhances the matching process, enabling companies to pose natural language queries that align with their specific project needs.
For instance, Ethos can facilitate complex requests such as identifying professionals who have worked at well-funded startups focused on financial automation. Similarly, a pharmaceutical firm could search for doctors with expertise in specific areas who have also published relevant research or possess a deep understanding of drug development.
Recently, Ethos announced a successful $22.75 million Series A funding round, led by a16z and supported by investors like General Catalyst and XTX Markets. Anish Acharya from a16z emphasizes that traditional platforms often rely on superficial indicators like job titles. Ethos, however, captures nuanced specializations through its unique voice interview framework.
Expanding the Expert Network
Founded in 2024 by James Lo and Daniel Mankowitz, Ethos combines their distinct experiences to address the challenges of building an expert network. Lo's background includes roles at McKinsey and Softbank, while Mankowitz has a rich history as an AI researcher at DeepMind, contributing to significant projects like YouTube's video compression algorithm.
Lo envisions a system that connects individuals with the right economic opportunities, while Mankowitz believes in the potential of algorithms to create a knowledge graph linking people, companies, and products. Their goal is to shift the focus from job titles to specific skills and capabilities, reflecting the evolving landscape of the economy.
Ethos enhances its matching capabilities by analyzing data from public sources, including blogs and academic papers, alongside social connections. The platform conducts interviews using voice agents, extracting valuable insights to better serve its clients. While facing competition from startups like Listen Labs and Outset, Ethos asserts that its expert network is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of specific clients.
Although Ethos does not disclose its client list, it acknowledges that top hedge funds, private equity firms, and leading AI labs are among its users. The company operates on a project fee model, taking a percentage based on project specifics, and is on track for significant annual revenue growth.
With around 35,000 new experts joining weekly, Ethos is focused on expanding its relevant user base. The startup sees a promising future, buoyed by the growing demand from AI labs seeking to map human talent across various professions.
As Ethos continues to evolve, its innovative approach to expert networking may redefine how companies access specialized knowledge, potentially shaping the future of professional collaboration.
