Toma's AI solution operates on a subscription model, with capabilities expanding as the AI learns from dealership-specific customer calls. The startup has attracted $17 million in funding from investors like a16z, Y Combinator, and auto industry influencer Yossi Levi. The Series A funding comes as Toma begins to scale its operations, having recently hired its first sales employee. The founders attribute their success to the deep understanding and relationships built during their dealership visits, which allowed them to tailor their AI tool to meet the specific needs of the automotive industry.
Key takeaways:
- Toma, an AI voice startup co-founded by Monik Pamecha and Anthony Krivonos, pivoted from banking and healthcare to car dealerships after identifying a demand for handling phone calls.
- The founders immersed themselves in the car dealership environment, gaining insights that helped refine their AI tool, which is now used in over 100 dealerships.
- Toma's AI assists with scheduling service appointments, handling parts orders, and answering sales questions, operating on a subscription model that scales with additional capabilities.
- The startup has raised $17 million in funding, with investors including a16z, Y Combinator, Scale Angels, and auto industry influencer Yossi Levi.