Sizzle AI, a New York-based company creating direct-to-learner AI products, has recently raised $7.5 million in seed funding. The round was led by Owl Ventures and with participation from 8VC. With this new fundraising, the startup plans to expand operations and its business reach.
Sizzle AI, founded by Jerome Pesenti, offers a free interactive app called Sizzle that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to guide students through any challenge, including word problems, step by step. Instead of giving students the solutions to problems, it guides them through each stage of the process, using encouraging and reassuring language to increase students’ confidence and enthusiasm for learning. By allowing users to ask questions without hesitation or fear of judgment, the platform helps students build critical thinking skills and a mastery of underlying concepts.
The company aims to make learning an incredible and engaging experience for everyone. It harnesses AI technology to interact with learners to foster excitement and support.
Commenting on the funding, Founder & CEO of Sizzle AI, Jerome Pesenti, said:
Significant advancements in artificial intelligence have created new and valuable tools, but few truly benefit us and improve our lives. Positively harnessing the power of AI can help the next generation of students, the next generation of thinkers and leaders, by allowing us to bridge systemic learning gaps and remove the fear of failure. We want to encourage students to ask questions and let everyone be a lifelong learner, no matter what kind of background they come from, the school they attend or what they’re learning about. We’re thrilled to be able to offer Sizzle internationally for free so that anyone can know through access to instant guidance.
A recent study revealed that 62% of students avoid asking questions because they worry about others’ judgment. With Sizzle, this issue becomes a thing of the past. Students can learn on their terms, with support provided at every step. The app is the result of a team’s collaborative work that includes individuals with vast backgrounds in social platforms and AI/ML from organizations like Google, Meta, Twitter, and Twitch.
The platform employs large language models and deep learning algorithms to facilitate engaging, back-and-forth dialogues. Over time, Sizzle’s AI algorithms will automatically generate personalized practice exercises and study plans.
Emily Bennett of Owl Ventures commented:
AI will profoundly affect the global education system, and Sizzle AI is leading the way with an app that allows all learners to learn more interactively on their own. We’re excited to support a company empowering generations of learners to come.
In its initial version, Sizzle covers a wide range of topics, including sciences and mathematics, making it suitable for middle and high school students and learners of all skill levels. It is currently available internationally in English, with plans to expand its language offerings and introduce additional features to enhance the learning experience.
