Inside Tonita – The AI Shopping Assistant You’ll Actually Use

Guest: Siva, Founder & CEO of Tonita

Host: Ryan Estes

Episode Summary:

Ryan interviews Siva, the founder of Tonita, an AI-powered shopping search platform redefining how people shop for clothing and accessories. With a background in AI research at Google, Siva built Tonita to simplify and personalize online shopping through a natural language interface that educates and recommends in real-time.

Key Takeaways:

• Tonita lets users search with everyday language and provides personalized product recommendations.
• AI guides users with educational responses—for example, how to choose sunglasses based on shape, UV protection, etc.
• Interface is intentionally minimal and user-first; no more endless tabs and filters.
• Ethical design: No fake/knockoff product links—only legal alternatives.
• Future monetization: Paid recommendations and affiliate partnerships (with transparency).
• $5M+ raised from VCs including South Park Commons.

Framework: AI Shopping Flywheel

1. Search: Describe what you want naturally
2. Educate: AI explains what matters
3. Recommend: Get matched with real products
4. Refine: Continue the conversation
5. Purchase: Buy from trusted retailers

Tonita’s GTM Strategy:

• Target demo: 20–40 age group who value time and efficient shopping.
• AI-first design; neutral UX to avoid over-skewing toward any specific gender or trend.
• Growing user base is priority before monetization.

About Siva:

• 15 years at Google in AI/ML
• Academic background in math, search, and CS
• Inspired by personal shopping pain points and the rise of LLMs

Links:

• Tonita.co

• South Park Commons
• aiforfounders.co