Rep.ai, a startup focused on disrupting online sales interactions, has raised $7.5 million to launch its AI-powered “digital twin” technology. The company, previously known as ServiceBell, is shifting its focus to create lifelike AI avatars that can engage website visitors through real-time video and audio conversations.
Founded by Daniel Ternyak, Rep.ai’s platform replicates a company’s sales representatives, allowing AI avatars to interact with customers 24/7. Using natural language processing and data from marketing materials and CRMs, these digital twins aim to provide a human-like experience without the constraints of human availability.
The technology differentiates itself from traditional chatbots by offering video and audio interactions with AI clones of sales reps, an approach Ternyak says is unique in the market. “To my knowledge, we’re the first to build it,” he noted.
The funding will be used to advance Rep.ai’s AI models and hire engineering talent, with investments from Browder Capital, Gradient, and M[X]V.
Despite the innovation, the use of employee likenesses in AI avatars raises ethical concerns. Ternyak addressed this, stating, “Consent is key. The sales rep has to agree to their likeness being used.”
As Rep.ai enters a competitive market alongside major players like Salesforce and Google, its success will depend on navigating both technological challenges and user acceptance of AI-powered sales representatives.
