Welcome back to Found, where we dive into the stories behind the startups that are shaping the future of tech. This week, we’re joined by Angela Hoover, a visionary behind Andi—a platform leveraging generative AI to provide answers in search results. As we explore her journey, listen closely for insights into how she got here and what lies ahead.
The Story Behind the Startups
Angela Hoover: Building Andi from Scratch
Angela Hoover, co-founder of Andi, shares her journey from a construction engineer in Australia to the leader of a company reinventing how we access information. "I wanted to create something that democratizes knowledge," she says. "In traditional search engines, you’re limited by what’s indexed. With generative AI, users can ask any question and get instant answers."
Why Andi?
Angela explains why Andi focuses on search results. "People want quick, accurate information without sifting through irrelevant content." She also discusses the challenges of building in a hyper-competitive space. "The AI had to be reliable, fast, and cover a wide range of topics."
Found’s Deep Dive into the Industry
The Rise of Generative AI
Generative AI has transformed how we access information. Angela Hoover’s Andi platform exemplifies this shift—users can ask any question and receive detailed answers powered by AI. This democratization of knowledge is reshaping industries, from education to professional services.
Behind the Scenes: The Found Team
Rebecca Szkutak: Covering VC Trends
Rebecca Szkutak, a senior reporter at TechCrunch, shares insights into venture capital trends and startup stories. "The VC landscape is evolving rapidly—investors are increasingly valuing AI-driven startups due to their potential impact."
Darrell Etherington: Exploring the Future of Tech
Darrell Etherington, editor-at-large at TechCrunch, explores futuristic tech topics like space exploration and health tech. "Generative AI could revolutionize healthcare by providing personalized medical advice in seconds."
Industry News Roundup
Duolingo’s Global Expansion
Duolingo sees a 216% spike in US users learning Chinese amid TikTok’s global ban, driven by the local demand for Mandarin skills.
Tesla’s Electric Truck Initiative
Tesla plans to split $100 million across states to develop electric truck charging corridors, aiming to support their growth and competition.
Found’s Latest Episodes
Found Episode: Founding Former Bonobos
Maggie Stamets discusses the rethinking of social media by the former Bonobos founder, highlighting a new wave in user experience design.
Found Episode: Biotech & Health
Alloy Women’s Health is making menopausal care accessible to more people, challenging traditional healthcare models with innovative solutions.
Closing Thoughts
Generative AI is on the brink of a transformative era. Angela Hoover’s Andi platform is a shining example of how AI can democratize knowledge and empower users. As we look ahead, the possibilities are endless—but only if we continue to push boundaries and rethink what’s possible.
