Shen Sivananthan (Boardy)

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Overview

Shen Sivananthan, also known as Boardy, is recognized as a co-founder of the innovative professional networking platform Boardy. Boardy leverages AI-based voice technology to enhance human networking by establishing meaningful professional connections through an AI voice assistant. Sivananthan, together with Andrew D’Souza and other tech visionaries, brought forth this platform with a mission to combat the growing issue of social isolation by fostering connections among professionals through a novel AI-driven approach.

Recent Developments

  • October 2024: Boardy secured $3 million in pre-seed funding aimed at enhancing its AI capabilities and expanding the network. The funding round was led by HF0 with participation from notable investors like 8VC and NextView Ventures. This investment is one of the largest pre-seed rounds for an AI-driven networking startup to date. Boardy plans to use these funds to further develop its AI's conversational abilities and increase its network size, signifying a vote of confidence from investors in the platform's model focused on facilitating meaningful human connections through AI.

  • October 2024: Boardy officially launched after months of development. It allows users to receive professional networking assistance by simply speaking to the Boardy AI, which then checks its network to propose beneficial connections. The platform's creation stemmed from a need to counteract loneliness exacerbated by the advent of social media and to utilize AI to foster rather than hinder human interactions.

  • March 2024: The concept of Boardy was developed by Sivananthan and his partners, who spent the subsequent months refining the technology and expanding the network beyond its initial base of founders’ contacts. The platform aims to serve professionals by providing a unique AI assistant capable of matchmaking based on user input regarding professional projects and needs.

Personal Information

AttributeInformation
Full NameShen Sivananthan
BornInformation not publicly available
NationalityInformation not publicly available
OccupationEntrepreneur, Co-Founder at Boardy
Known ForCo-founding Boardy, an AI networking startup
Net WorthInformation not publicly available
EducationInformation not publicly available

Early Life and Education

Specific details about Shen Sivananthan’s early life, including his childhood, family background, and educational journey, are not publicly documented. However, based on his professional trajectory and involvement in innovative tech startups like Boardy, it can be inferred that Sivananthan has a background in technology and entrepreneurship. His leadership role in a rapidly evolving field like AI networking suggests a strong foundation in technical and business skills, which likely shaped his career path toward founding a startup that blends human networking with cutting-edge AI technology.

Career and Notable Achievements

Sivananthan’s career is highlighted by his role in co-founding Boardy, a startup focusing on AI-enhanced professional networking:

  • 2024: Co-founded Boardy, which leverages AI to create professional networks and mitigates social isolation through strategic connections.
  • Funding and Recognition: Under his and his co-founders' leadership, Boardy has raised significant pre-seed funding, securing $3 million in 2024.
  • Innovative Approach: Sivananthan and his team adopted an accessible model for professional growth, integrating voice-activated AI to bridge gaps in professional networking.

Current Work and Impact

Currently, Shen Sivananthan continues to innovate in the realm of AI and professional networking through Boardy. By leveraging AI, he has created a platform that not only facilitates connections but also encourages new ways of thinking about professional interactions in an increasingly digital world. The impact of his work is reflected in the growing user base and the substantial funding that Boardy has secured, indicating a shift in how professionals might connect in the future.

Conclusion

Shen Sivananthan emerges as a pivotal figure in the evolution of networking technology through his work with Boardy. His efforts to integrate AI into the fabric of professional networking represent a significant leap towards addressing the social isolation fueled by modern technology. By fostering genuine connections between users, Boardy holds the potential to redefine professional networking. As the platform continues to grow, its influence in connecting professionals globally might mark a new era in human-AI collaborative efforts, with Sivananthan at the helm of this transformative journey.