South African AI research startup Yazi has raised its first institutional funding round at a pre-money valuation of ZAR30 million (US$1.8 million).
Yazi allows organisations to run surveys, interviews and research studies through WhatsApp, using AI to conduct conversations with participants and analyse responses. The platform allows companies to run research studies without requiring users to download new applications or access web platforms.
Clients include Old Mutual, Pick n Pay, Discovery, Capitec and Ipsos.
The undisclosed round was led by 3 Capital Ventures, an early-stage venture firm created by investment manager Allan Gray, and will be used to fund product development and international expansion. Yazi plans to launch automated voice interviews through WhatsApp, and expand its research participant network across African markets.