A startup that has developed a virtual assistant to answer phone calls from customers has raised $4 million in a round backed by early Zoom investor Foothill Ventures.
Its founder, Bob Summers, previously worked as a senior product manager on Google's own AI assistant. Goodcall uses artificial intelligence to respond to customer queries over the phone and also to send more in-depth information like directions or menus to customers via text.
The company aims to deliver a better alternative to the traditional customer service lines by using a "smart, conversational" automated operator.
Goodcall answers customer calls with the words: "How can I help you?" At which point, callers can put forward a range of queries, such as booking appointments, sharing their contact details, or checking the relevant COVID-19 restrictions in place at the business.
On the corporate side of things, Goodcall is offering up to 500 minutes of service a month for individual entrepreneurs and smaller enterprises. The firm boasts an easy-to-use no-code design which takes "under a minute to deploy," and can save businesses hours of time manning the phones.
"For restaurants, boutiques, and local merchants to fully overcome the impacts of the pandemic, they need a solution that helps them produce, sell and serve more customers," said Summers.
"Goodcall helps by managing all incoming phone opportunities so business owners can focus on their talent, craft and service."
Alongside Foothill, Goodcall also received backing from the likes of Xoogler Ventures, the VC fund set up by former Google employees to back fellow ex-Google employees, Merus Capital, VC fund Neo, and Verissimo Ventures.
Insider got an exclusive look at the pitch deck Goodcall used to bring investors on board. Check it out below:
