Generative AI Models in Business

Introduction

It’s been gradual, but generative AI models and the apps they power have begun to measurably deliver returns for businesses. Organizations across many industries believe their employees are more productive and efficient with AI tools such as chatbots and coding assistants at their side. Numerous AI startups found traction offering such solutions during 2024.

Glean

For arming employees with the tools to get their jobs done, Glean provides a user-friendly AI-powered search tool that allows employees to find information and generate answers across more than 100 data sources. The company transformed its existing enterprise AI assistant into a platform called Work AI platform. Glean was generating around $100 million in annual recurring revenue in November 2024 and counts Reddit, Instacart, Pinterest, Duolingo, and Databricks among its customers.

Anysphere

For giving developers a coding partner with contextual awareness, Anysphere's Cursor AI offers code auto-completions and the ability to generate entire sections of code based on the context in which code is being created. The startup raised significant funding rounds in 2024 and has more than 40,000 customers.

Blackbird.AI

For arming organizations with AI that detects misinformation and disinformation, Blackbird.AI's Compass platform allows users to reality check suspicious claims made in social media posts, videos, links, or memes. The company expects significant growth in the market for narrative intelligence services and has raised substantial venture capital.

Google DeepMind

For unfolding the mysteries of structural biochemistry, Google DeepMind's AlphaFold AI models can predict the complex structures of proteins, offering significant advancements in drug discovery and structural biochemistry. The company has collaborated with Isomorphic Labs and is working with pharmaceutical companies.

DeepL

For translating business communications into 33 languages, DeepL offers fast and accurate translation services, including voice translation during meetings and conversations. The company raised significant funding and expanded its language offerings in 2024.

Perplexity

For turning generative AI into a rival to traditional search, Perplexity's "answer engine" revitalizes web search by using large language models to return custom answers that are highly relevant and properly cited. The company added new features and functions to its platform in 2024.

Contextual AI

For making the next generation of AI more accurate and efficient, Contextual AI emerged with a mission to use retrieval-augmented generation to build more accurate language models for enterprises. The company introduced OLMoE in collaboration with the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence.

Harvey

For providing lawyers with a trustworthy AI legal assistant, Harvey's AI legal assistant offers fast and accurate analysis of legal cases and documents. The company saw significant growth in 2024 and raised substantial funding to support further development.

Khan Academy

For empowering students and teachers with a free AI writing coach, Khan Academy's Khanamigo Writing Coach helps students and teachers with detailed reports on student progress and writing challenges, addressing time constraints faced by teachers in providing feedback.

Speak

For supercharging English-language learning with live conversational roleplays, Speak's AI English tutor app uses OpenAI's Realtime API to power live roleplays for more fluid and natural conversations. The app offers a more immersive language learning experience.

Pika

For making a state-of-the-art video generator accessible to nonprofessionals, Pika's video generation app allows users to create videos with motion control and effects, attracting a wave of users creating content for social media platforms.

Canva

For bringing Gen AI design to organizations, Canva introduced AI features to its design app, including a suite of AI tools for designers within organizations and the acquisition of Leonardo.Ai. The company reached 220 million monthly active users by the end of 2024.

Salesforce

For enabling customers to design no-code AI agents, Salesforce introduced Agentforce, a platform that lets customers design their own AI agents to handle various tasks such as customer service, sales, and marketing. Major companies like Disney and Saks Fifth Avenue have adopted the technology.

Osmo

For teaching AI how to smell, Osmo developed a system that can identify and recreate odors, with applications in the fragrance industry and counterfeit detection. The company has showcased the efficacy of its system in distinguishing between authentic and counterfeit products.

EvolutionaryScale

For applying AI to design new proteins, EvolutionaryScale developed ESM3, a generative AI model for biology that can generate new protein designs with applications in environmental and materials science. The company raised significant funding from notable AI investors in 2024.

Explore the full 2025 list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, reshaping industries and culture. The companies selected are making a significant impact across various categories.

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