ViralMoment, co-founded by Chelsie Hall and Sheyda Demooei, is an AI-powered video analytics company that addresses the gap in understanding social video content. Despite initial success with a meme analysis tool and gaining traction with customers, the company faced challenges raising capital from institutional investors who demanded more traction. Hall, who was pregnant during her pre-seed round, focused on building credibility and securing high-profile clients, eventually securing $3.7 million in funding. This success highlights the challenges and triumphs of women entrepreneurs in the AI field.
The company aims to provide insights into social video content, helping brands, governments, and individuals understand trends emerging from video platforms. Their innovative video analytics platform has attracted significant clients like Delta, Warner Bros., and WPP. ViralMoment’s mission to make the internet a safer and more equitable space is evident in its AI development, challenging gender bias and stereotypes perpetuated by AI systems. The company personifies its AI bot as a “brilliant researcher” to combat harmful feminine stereotypes.
Hall and Demooei have faced challenges in the AI field, including gender bias, stereotypes, and underrepresentation. They actively challenge stereotypes by designing AI that embodies intelligence and strength. By focusing on building a successful business, proving the traction of their product, and securing blue-chip clients, they have overcome biases in the venture capital world and secured funding for their company. Their advocacy for greater representation of women in AI aims to create a more equitable and diverse tech industry.
Raising capital for ViralMoment was a challenge, with institutional investors demanding more traction despite customer success. Hall leveraged her network and persistence to secure funding, including investments from institutional investors. VirtualMoment’s groundbreaking solution provides unparalleled insights into social videos, competitor monitoring, brand safety, and campaign activation and measurement. Hall’s resilience, growing traction, and ability to connect with investors who believed in her vision were key to her success in raising capital.
Despite facing hesitation from investors, including doubts due to being pregnant with her second child during fundraising, Hall overcame obstacles by focusing on the value of their product, securing high-profile clients, and proving traction in the market. Investors eventually recognized the potential of ViralMoment’s innovative video analytics platform and the expertise of its founders, leading to a successful funding round. Their groundbreaking solution addresses a critical gap in the market while challenging gender bias in the AI industry.
ViralMoment’s success story serves as an inspiration for women in AI, showcasing resilience, innovation, and determination to succeed in a challenging and rapidly evolving field. By advocating for greater representation of women in AI, Hall and Demooei are leading the way in creating a more inclusive and diverse tech industry. Their commitment to challenging stereotypes, building a successful business, and pushing for more inclusive AI development demonstrates the potential for women to thrive in the AI field and drive positive change in the tech industry.
