Phaidra

Phaidra is an artificial intelligence startup that builds AI technology for industrial companies and large-scale industries. The Seattle-based company was co-founded in 2019 by Jim Gao and Vedavyas Panneershelvam, two former Google DeepMind employees, as well as Katie Hoffman, who has experience in the defense and HVAC industries. Gao, Panneershelvam and Hoffman serve as Phaidra's CEO, CTO, and president/COO, respectively. Phaidra aims to improve performance for industrial companies through their AI-power control systems, which utilize machine learning technology to learn and adapt over time. To do this, Phaidra analyzes massive amounts of sensor data, then creates intelligent AI agents that can automatically control and optimize industrial facilities. Previously, Phaidra used their technology to reduce Google's data center—cooling energy consumption by 40 percent, which according to the company contributed to a 20 percent increase in revenue across multiple Google wind farms. Phaidra says its goal is to help customers improve energy efficiency and sustainability, increase plant safety and stability, and maximize product quality and yield.

Phaidra has participated in two funding rounds, raising a total of $5.5 million as of 2021. The company most recently raised a $4 million seed round on May 24, 2021. The round was led by Flying Fish Partners, who also led Phaidra's pre-seed round in May 2020, and included participation from Character VC, Outcomes Fund, Section 32, Starshot Capital and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.