niki.ai - an India Based AI Startup Launches a Chatbot to Simplify Ordering, Following Seed Funding
Bangalore, India (PRWEB) November 07, 2015 -- Niki is the first of its kind chatbot that understands human language in the context of product or service that users would buy, guides them with recommendations to find the right service and then goes the last mile to make the purchase happen. In the back-end, complex algorithms keep running to understand user preferences and personalize the experience for every user. Just explore all the options, choose the one that fits, pay for it and complete the order - everything on the Niki App. It’s that simple!
In its current avatar, Niki is available on android and supports recharge and cab booking. niki.ai is working on expanding the chatbot's portfolio of services every month. Niki offers end-to-end booking for Ola and Uber cabs, even compares them and helps user book a cab of her preference instantly. Niki also caters to recharge, makes the best suggestion from among variety of recharge plans when the user is unsure, completes the payment and reminds them even before the validity ends. And, it has the first of its kind in-chat payment option.
Niki as a technology was built to be both simple and scalable - simple for consumers to use and scalable as a product. Most people today are unable to follow up with the continuing increase in number of apps, partly due to low memory phones and erratic internet connections. Furthermore, existing interfaces do not promote natural interaction. There exists a need to cut the noise around excess content to a more personalized decision-making. The solution is a chatbot that could simplify ordering. niki.ai came into existence with the same vision - to make communication simple and convenient between brands and consumers.
The company, niki.ai, was founded in April, this year, by four IIT Kharagpur alumni - Sachin Jaiswal, Keshav Prawasi, Nitin Babel and Shishir Modi. The 16 membered Niki team comprises developers, designers and growth hackers. The startup has been in stealth mode for the past 7 months, focused primarily on building the product. Besides, they were working closely with a set of beta users by engaging with them on a regular basis, taking key suggestions on experience, services and conversational flow. A lot of research and analysis has gone behind designing flows, conversations and user interface to offer the best user experience.
They’ve raised a seed round from Unilazer Ventures. As reported, the funding will be majorly used on product development and expanding horizon of service offerings. niki.ai will follow a tech-first approach and this fund will be used to strengthen their technology platform.
“Tech-first companies have dominated the market globally with firm focus on user experience and simplicity, a trend which I think will start in India as well. We back amazing entrepreneurs. They (niki.ai) have a stand out team and are on the brink of some innovative work. We’re closely working with them to realize this vision.” says Ronnie Screwvala, founder of Unilazer Ventures.
Unlike other Artificial Intelligence applications (Siri, Google Now, etc), that focus mainly on productivity, Niki’s focus is commerce. In the long-run, Niki will be powered with voice capabilities, and close-knit integrations with all online platforms across web and smartphones. Besides, Niki will also be accessible on calls or sms. So, the next time someone needs something - she can just ask Niki!
Go ahead, install the Niki app now: niki.ai/app and register to get early access. (Note: It’s accessible only in India.)
Sachin Jaiswal, niki.ai, http://www.niki.ai, +91 9560781760, [email protected]
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