AI Startup Ferretly Secures $2.5M and Launches Election Screening Tool

In a significant development for the intersection of artificial intelligence and social media vetting, the AI startup Ferretly has announced it has secured $2.5 million in seed funding. The fresh capital injection is poised to propel the company’s mission forward, as it unveils a new platform aimed at screening election personnel. Founded in 2019, Ferretly has rapidly evolved into a key player in the realm of digital background checks, leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to scrutinize social media and publicly available online data. 

Founding and Vision

Ferretly was conceived by Darrin Lipscomb, a seasoned entrepreneur with a track record of successful ventures. Lipscomb previously founded Pipestream and Avrio, both of which were acquired by BMC Software and Hitachi, respectively. His latest venture, Ferretly, embodies his vision of extending background checks into the digital age. “It’s really a question of character,” Lipscomb explained in an interview with TechCrunch. Traditional background checks focus on physical-world activities, such as criminal records, but as more interactions occur online, understanding an individual’s digital persona has become crucial.

The Election Personnel Screening Platform

With the 2024 presidential election on the horizon, Ferretly is rolling out a specialized tool: the Election Personnel Screening Platform. This innovative platform is designed to vet candidates, poll workers, canvassers, and other election-related personnel. Its purpose is to minimize the risks associated with disruptive behaviors that could undermine the electoral process. 

The platform operates by analyzing a broad spectrum of digital content to identify potential red flags. It scrutinizes inflammatory rhetoric, hate speech, and disparaging behavior, along with questionable conduct such as drug use or violence. Additionally, the tool assesses connections to extremist groups or individuals, providing a comprehensive overview of a candidate’s online presence. 

Advanced Image Classification

A noteworthy enhancement to Ferretly’s technology is its image classification tool. This tool is now capable of detecting offensive gestures, such as the middle finger, and extremist symbols like Nazi insignias and terrorist group flags. It can also identify images of weapons, including firearms, sharp objects, and explosives. This advanced capability ensures that the screening process is thorough and accounts for a wide array of potential threats.

Comprehensive Digital Scanning

Ferretly’s platform doesn’t limit its scanning to social media alone. It also examines web pages and news articles to uncover additional relevant information. Once the scanning process is complete, Ferretly generates a detailed report that summarizes the findings. This report includes risk indicators, flagged content, and behavioral insights, allowing hiring managers and election officials to quickly assess potential risks.

Compliance and Ethical Considerations

While Ferretly’s approach might raise concerns about privacy, the company emphasizes its commitment to complying with all federal and state/provincial laws governing pre-employment social media screening and data protection. The tool serves as a reminder of the digital footprint left by online actions, highlighting the importance of responsible online behavior.

Clientele and Market Reach

Ferretly has made considerable strides since its inception, with clients spanning across 32 countries and over 1,000 organizations in various sectors. Notable clients include Deloitte, Blizzard Entertainment, and Paramount Global. The company’s services extend to nonprofits, public sector organizations such as police forces, and political parties in the U.K., New Zealand, and Canada. Ferretly’s tools have even been utilized by NFL teams during the draft process, showcasing its broad appeal and versatility.

Future Plans and Funding Allocation

The newly secured funding will primarily be allocated towards marketing efforts to enhance Ferretly’s visibility and attract more clients. Additionally, a portion of the funds will be directed towards research and development to further refine the platform’s capabilities. David Dickerson, Chairman and Founder of Accurate Background, led the funding round. Accurate Background is known for its employment background screening services, making Dickerson’s investment a strategic boost for Ferretly.

Conclusion

Ferretly’s recent funding and the launch of its Election Personnel Screening Platform mark a significant milestone in the evolution of digital background checks. By harnessing AI to evaluate online behaviors and digital footprints, Ferretly is setting a new standard in the vetting process for various sectors. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the startup’s innovative approach to character assessment is likely to become increasingly valuable in ensuring the integrity and reliability of individuals in critical roles.