News & Insights

As part of our ‘Meet Our Founders’ series today, we introduce Ed Ross, CEO and Co-Founder of Core Ai based in Cary, NC. CoNNIE AI is a conversation analytics platform that transforms how you manage video-based conversations. Think of us as the AI version of Oprah—helping you uncover what truly matters and guiding your team toward the next logical steps.

Q: What problem are you trying to solve and what influenced you to start your company?

A: Have you ever ended a Zoom or Microsoft Teams call unclear on what steps to focus on first?
Busy professionals like us, don’t have time to sift through lengthy call transcripts or vague meeting notes. Meet CoNNIE, the industry’s wisest AI agent that seamlessly observes video-based conference calls to quickly identify key takeaways and turn them into actionable steps so you can move forward confidently.

Q: What are you most excited about right now? What keeps you up at night?

A: We are excited about helping busy professionals focus on what matters most after every video-based conversation. Conversation matters whether you’re in sales, customer service, or executive leadership. Additionally, we are excited to share the stories and insights from these professionals via our Conversations That Matter podcast.

I am obsessed with achieving product market fit! We are doubling down on understanding our persons’ needs, challenges, and goals so we can move them from interest to loyalty as fast as possible.

Q: What does the road ahead look like for your company?

A: We want CoNNIE to be universally viewed as the Oprah of AI because of her ability to distill the critical call to action in every video-based conversation. To achieve our goal, we must continue to expand our large language model, invest in our infrastructure, and attract the best and bravest talent in NC to join us on this journey.

We envision a world in which busy managers and employees leave every video-based meeting with Oprah-like insights on what to focus on next.

Q: How will your NC IDEA grant funds advance your company?

A: The funds from the NC Idea grant will allow us to understand the expectations of our target markets and align our value propositions to become an irresistible solution to their needs. When we achieve this, CoNNIE will be viewed as a confidant and the industry’s wisest AI agent.

Q: When did you know you wanted to take an entrepreneurial path?

A: Early on in my career I discovered a passion for solving problems in unconventional ways. In 2012, I set out as an entrepreneur to build a career that allowed me to do what I love everyday while being financially independent.

Q: What is one thing you wish you understood about entrepreneurship before you ever got started?

A: The value of customer discovery. While I have always known there are layers to customer interest, it’s become more clear that customers are willing to love with some problems despite the cost or impact.

Q: Who do you look to for advice and mentorship?

A: I look for someone who understands the challenges and excitement of building from the ground up as an operator. My most valuable advisors are empathic, strategic, and collaborative.

Q: What other passions do you have besides your business?

A: I am most passionate about my family. They are invested in my journey and support even my wildest dreams. I am also passionate about golf and use it to decompress whenever possible.

While visiting Cary, Ed recommends:

• Eat dessert first at Andia Ice Cream, then grab dinner at So-Hot, my go-to for great food and company.

Support Core Ai and Ed by:

• Share any referrals – We are actively looking for beta users for our MVP.