Overview 
In this engaging and insightful episode hosts Gary Sloper and Scott Bryan explore the dynamic landscape of AI startups in 2025, offering actionable insights for global business leaders, job seekers, and college students. This episode dives into the trends, technologies, and opportunities shaping the AI industry. With a tone that balances business strategy, technical depth, and career advice, the hosts break down the AI startup ecosystem, highlight key players, and provide practical guidance for leveraging AI innovations and navigating career opportunities. 

Spotlight on AI Startups – Key Players in Each Sector 

AI Infrastructure:  

• Celestial AI: Known for its Photonic Fabric, an optical interconnect technology that reduces AI computing energy costs by up to 90%, Celestial AI raised $250 million in 2025, reaching a $2.5 billion valuation.  
• Lambda: This startup builds AI-optimized cloud platforms for model training, securing $480 million in Series D funding to democratize AI access for businesses.  
• io (formerly epic.io): Acquired by OpenAI for $6.5 billion, io is developing AI-powered hardware devices, led by former Apple designer Jony Ive, hinting at a disruptive family of AI-aware devices with environmental detection capabilities. 

Horizontal AI:  

• KORE.AI: With $234 million in funding, KORE.AI offers a conversational AI platform with over 250 agent templates, automating customer service and workflows for over 400 global enterprise clients, integrating with platforms like Salesforce and AWS.  
• Sprinklr: A publicly traded company, Sprinklr delivers an AI-powered platform for unified customer experiences across social media, marketing, and service, leveraging generative AI for personalization.  
• Sinch: Another publicly traded player, Sinch provides conversational AI for customer communications, integrated with platforms like Google Cloud.  
• Runway: With $308 million in funding, Runway transforms creative industries with AI-driven video generation, showcasing the versatility of Horizontal AI. 

Vertical AI:  

• Observe.AI: A Redwood City-based startup founded in 2017, Observe.AI has raised $300 million for its GenAI Conversation Intelligence platform, serving brands like SoFi, DoorDash, and Cox Automotive. 
• Abridge: Valued at $2.75 billion, Abridge automates clinical documentation in healthcare, saving doctors significant time.  
• CallRevu: Specializing in automotive, CallRevu offers AI for call tracking and analytics to enhance dealership customer interactions.  
• LEvel AI: With $39.4 million in funding, LEvel AI provides AI-native analytics for call centers in sectors like retail and automotive.  
• Logically: Backed by $24 million from Alexa Fund, Logically uses AI to combat disinformation for governments and enterprises.

Send a Text to the AI Guides on the show!

About your AI Guides

Gary Sloper

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsloper/

Scott Bryan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottjbryan/

Macro AI Website:

https://www.macroaipodcast.com/

Macro AI LinkedIn Page:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/macro-ai-podcast/

Gary's Free AI Readiness Assessment:

https://macronetservices.com/events/the-comprehensive-guide-to-ai-readiness

Scott's Content & Blog

https://www.macronomics.ai/blog