Owen Sakawa is the founder and CEO of Elloe AI, a revolutionary technology company specializing in conversational artificial intelligence. With a passion for innovation and a vision for the future, Owen is leading the efforts of transforming the AI space by leveraging state-of-the-art technologies in order to deliver Self-Discovering, Self-Training, and Self-Optimizing products. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Owen to learn more about his journey as an entrepreneur, the inspirations behind Elloe AI, and his predictions for the future of conversational AI.
What led to the idea for your current company? Can you share that story with us?
The idea of building Elloe came to me, while I was working on my previous startup, RepairNet. As the founder of a platform that aimed to streamline communication between auto repair specialists and car owners in need of repairs, I quickly realized that there was a missing piece in the puzzle. Despite our best efforts, we found that many garages were struggling to truly engage with their customers and build meaningful relationships with them.
This realization sparked my curiosity about the potential of conversational AI in creating a more human-like interaction between businesses and their customers. I envisioned a customer friendship platform that would allow businesses to understand and empathize with their customers, to understand their needs and wants, and to build stronger, more loyal relationships with them.
After the acquisition of RepairNet, I began the journey of working on Elloe and after a long journey of research, developments and Iterations, we are proud to say that we are now the first and only autonomous conversational AI platform.
I was driven by the belief that true customer engagement is not only about providing efficient service but also about building trust and understanding with the customer. I knew that I had to take action and that’s when I decided to put all my effort into building Elloe AI.
Creating Elloe AI was not an easy task, but it was worth it. The platform is now helping businesses around the world to build stronger relationships with their customers, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling to see the positive impact that it’s having on people’s lives. It all started with a simple idea and a desire to make a difference and I believe that with a little creativity and a lot of heart, we can change the world for the better.
TechCrunch has termed Elloe AI as the “customer friendship platform for customer-loving brands”. Can you talk more about this concept and how it relates to Elloe AI’s mission and vision?
The concept of a “customer friendship platform” is central to Elloe AI’s mission and vision. We believe that by fostering strong relationships between businesses and their customers, we can create a more authentic and empathetic world, in which individuals feel valued and supported.
Our conversational AI platform is designed to enable businesses to offer personalized and authentic interactions with their customers, which can help to build trust and loyalty over time. By using our platform, businesses can foster a sense of familiarity and friendship with their customers, which can lead to increased engagement, satisfaction, and revenue.
TechCrunch’s recognition of Elloe AI as a “customer friendship platform for customer-loving brands” is a testament to our commitment to building strong relationships between businesses and their customers. We are proud to be leading the way in the conversational AI space and to be recognized for our efforts to create a more customer-centric and empathetic world.
How do you see the role of AI and technology evolving in society, and what responsibilities do technology leaders have in shaping that evolution?
AI and technology are already playing a significant role in society, and we expect that role to continue to expand in the coming years. AI has the potential to transform industries, improve healthcare outcomes, and even solve some of the world’s biggest problems. However, with great power comes great responsibility. As technology leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that the technology we develop is used for the greater good.
At Elloe AI, we are committed to using technology to bring people together and build stronger relationships between businesses and their customers. We believe that conversational AI has the potential to make a positive impact on the world, and we are dedicated to ensuring that it is used in a responsible and ethical manner.
As technology leaders, we also have a responsibility to be transparent about the technology we develop and how it is used. We believe that transparency is critical to building trust with our customers and the wider community. We are committed to being transparent about our data practices and how we use customer data to improve our platform and enhance the customer experience.
We also have a responsibility to ensure that our technology is inclusive and accessible to all. We believe that technology has the potential to bring people together and break down barriers, but it can also exacerbate inequalities if it is not designed with inclusivity in mind. We are committed to ensuring that our platform is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or ability.
What are the most common mistakes you have seen CEOs & founders make when they start a business? What can be done to avoid those errors?
As a CEO and founder myself, I have certainly made my fair share of mistakes along the way. However, I have also had the opportunity to observe and learn from the mistakes of others in the startup world. One of the most common mistakes I see is not truly understanding and being passionate about the problem the business is trying to solve. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of starting a business and lose sight of why it’s important. Without a clear understanding and passion for the problem, it’s difficult to build a sustainable and successful company.
Another common mistake is not gathering a diverse team with different skill sets and perspectives. Diversity is not only important for ethical reasons, but it also leads to better decision making and problem solving. A team with a variety of experiences and backgrounds will be able to approach problems from different angles and come up with more innovative solutions.
To avoid these mistakes, it’s important to take the time to truly understand the problem your business is trying to solve and make sure it aligns with your passions. It’s also crucial to gather a diverse team with different skill sets and perspectives to ensure that your business is equipped to tackle any challenges that may arise.
But most importantly, it’s about having a heart for your business and your customers. When you truly care about the problem you’re trying to solve and the people you’re serving, it becomes much easier to stay motivated and overcome any obstacles that may arise.
So, to sum up, the most common mistakes are losing sight of the problem, not gathering a diverse team, and not having a heart for the business and the customers. To avoid these mistakes, stay focused on the problem, gather a diverse team and always keep the customers in your heart.
What do your day-to-day responsibilities look like at your organization?
As the CEO of Elloe AI, my day-to-day responsibilities are centered around one main goal: to create a future where artificial intelligence enhances human life. To achieve this, I have the privilege of leading a team of brilliant minds who are passionate about using AI to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems.
My day starts with a quick check on our progress, making sure that we are on track to meet our targets and evaluating the progress of our projects. I also spend a considerable amount of time on research and development, staying current on the latest advancements in AI, and working closely with our team to identify new opportunities for growth and innovation.
However, my job is not just about technology, I also dedicated a lot of my time to building a company culture that fosters creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning. I believe that our people are our most valuable asset, and I strive to create an environment where our team members can thrive and achieve their full potential.
I also spend a lot of time working with our clients, understanding their needs and ensuring that we deliver AI solutions that can have a real impact on their business, and at the same time, contributing to the betterment of society.
My role as CEO of Elloe AI is to lead the charge in creating a future where AI and humanity coexist in harmony, where technology enhances human life and makes the world a better place for all. I am honored and humbled to be a part of this mission, and I am excited about the impact we can make together.
Often leaders are asked to share the best advice they received. Can you share a story about the best advice you’ve received?
Since the inception of Elloe, we have lived by Steve Jobs’ mantra, you start with the customer experience and work back to the business model and technology. You can’t start with the technology and try to figure out where you are going to try and sell it. As a founder, this speaks to my heart. You need a larger vision, not a singular product. It’s always about the customers experiencing what they want, where, how, and when. It all comes back to demand, the value and experience of what can be delivered.
You ask this question: How do we help the customer? You don’t start with forecasts, budgets, market analysis, competitor comparisons, total addressable market, or board meetings. You simply start by finding a way to give your customers benefits they don’t have today. In our case, it is saving them time and money.
Once you do that, I promise you that everything else will fall in line. It’s the path we take here at Elloe and it’s how we are introducing change into the world. Our vision is a future where it’s as easy for a customer to chat with a business as it is with a friend.
Finally, You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
I believe that three key character traits that have been instrumental in my success are Patience, taking risks and being consistent. These three traits that have played a vital role in my journey as a leader.
Firstly, patience has been a valuable asset in my career. It has helped me to preserve valuable resources such as time, energy and finances. One example of this was when I was launching my first business. I had a great idea and I was eager to get it off the ground, but I knew that it was important to be patient and wait for the right moment to launch. I took the time to research the market, gather feedback and perfect my product before launching. This patience paid off and the launch was a huge success.
Secondly, taking calculated risks has been a crucial element of my success. As an entrepreneur, I have come to realize that no business or product can be successful without taking risks. I remember when I was developing my second business, I had to make a decision whether to invest in a new technology that was untested in my industry. I knew that it was a risky move, but I also knew that if it worked, it would give me a competitive advantage. I decided to take the risk, and it turned out to be a game-changer for my business.
Lastly, being consistent is the key to achieving long-term success. It requires being willing to put in the work, make mistakes, learn from those mistakes, and try again, all without hesitation. One example of this is when I was developing my third business, I was consistent in my approach, always putting the customer first and building a loyal customer base. This consistency helped me to build a successful business.
These character traits – patience, taking calculated risks, and consistency – are essential for anyone looking to achieve success in business and in life. They allow you to make well-informed decisions, take bold actions and achieve long-term success. By embracing these traits, one can set themselves up for success no matter what industry they are in. They have also enabled me to remain a source of inspiration to people around me, and I am grateful for that.
