Jaspar Carmichael-Jack, the 23-year-old CEO of AI sales startup Artisan, has had an eventful year, recently securing a $25 million Series A funding round led by Glade Brook Capital. Artisan, emerging from the Y Combinator winter 2024 class, initially raised $12 million last September and has grown rapidly since. The company gained attention with its bold “Stop Hiring Humans” billboard campaign, although it faced some backlash. Despite early challenges, Artisan’s AI agent, Ava, has significantly improved, now serving 250 customers and generating $5 million in annual revenue. Looking ahead, Artisan plans to launch two new AI products while focusing on a more targeted customer approach to drive success.
It’s been a challenging yet thrilling year for 23-year-old Jaspar Carmichael-Jack, the founder and CEO of Artisan, a startup that specializes in AI sales agents. Recently, Artisan secured a massive $25 million in Series A funding, primarily from Glade Brook Capital, with support from prominent investors such as Y Combinator, Day One Ventures, and HubSpot Ventures. This funding marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey.
Just a year ago, Artisan made waves as a standout in the winter 2024 Y Combinator class, raising $12 million, one of the largest funding rounds within the cohort. Since then, Carmichael-Jack and his co-founder, Sam Stallings, have navigated the tumultuous waters of early-stage startup life.
Artisan is part of a growing trend in the AI sales development representative Market. The company gained notoriety for its provocative “Stop Hiring Humans” campaign, which sparked a mix of reactions, from excitement to backlash. In an unexpected moment, Carmichael-Jack even staged an April Fool’s joke declaring his resignation in favor of an “AI CEO,” showcasing the playful side of their Marketing strategy.
When asked about the future of work, Carmichael-Jack emphasized that AI is not here to replace humans. Instead, he believes that AI enhances human capabilities in the workplace. Currently, Artisan employs 35 people and is looking to fill 22 more positions, including roles in sales. They have also welcomed a new CTO, Ming Li, who hails from companies like TikTok and Google.
As Artisan grows, it faces challenges common in the AI sales development space, including customer churn. Early AI sales tools sometimes produced disappointing results, but the company has made significant improvements. Their flagship product, Ava, now has a minimal error rate, and they have expanded their client base to 250 companies, achieving $5 million in annual recurring revenue.
In addition to Ava, Artisan is developing two new products: Aaron, which will manage inbound messages, and Aria, an assistant for scheduling meetings, both set for launch by the end of 2025. Carmichael-Jack acknowledges that not every business is a good fit for AI sales, emphasizing the need for companies to qualify their outreach carefully.
To better meet customer needs, Artisan is exploring a new flexible pricing model, allowing businesses to pay for the service based on the results they see. “If we don’t get them value, then we shouldn’t be charging them money,” says Carmichael-Jack, reflecting his commitment to customer satisfaction.
In summary, Artisan is poised for continued growth in the competitive AI landscape while adapting its strategies to focus on delivering real value to its customers. With innovative offerings on the horizon and a commitment to improving their services, the future looks bright for this ambitious startup.
Tags: Artisan, AI Sales Agent, Series A Funding, Jaspar Carmichael-Jack, Sales Development, Startup News, AI Technology, Customer Experience.
What is Artisan?
Artisan is a startup that uses AI to help businesses hire more efficiently. They claim to “stop hiring humans” by automating parts of the hiring process.
Why did Artisan raise $25 million?
Artisan raised $25 million to improve its AI technology and expand its services. This funding helps them reach more companies looking to streamline their hiring.
Are they really not hiring humans?
Despite their bold statement, Artisan is still hiring humans. They need skilled people to work alongside their AI technology and provide a personal touch in the hiring process.
How does Artisan’s AI work?
Artisan’s AI analyzes job candidates’ skills and experiences to find the best matches for open positions. It helps speed up the hiring process and reduce human error.
What kind of jobs are available at Artisan?
Artisan is looking for various roles, including tech positions, customer support, and project management. They want to build a team that can support their growing AI services.