KALAB, a UCL-supported AI business, is one of just 12 startups to be chosen from thousands, to join Techstar's highly regarded accelerator programme.
Founded by two UCL MSc Entrepreneurship graduates, Florence Ettlin and Talitha Abraham, KALAB's app, Anna, helps short-term rental companies respond to tenant enquiries using artificial intelligence.
Guests staying in short-term accommodation can use the AI-powered digital concierge to ask questions about the property and area, get recommendations and make complaints, all in their own language.
The London-based business was selected by Techstars, a US-based pre-seed investor that provides capital and mentorship to early-stage entrepreneurs, to join their highly sought-after 13-week San Francisco accelerator programme.
The accelerator programme will connect Florence and Talitha with mentors, customers, partners, and their fellow program participants in the thriving tech ecosystem of San Francisco.
As UCL alumni, the founders were part of the Hatchery incubator programme at BaseKX, UCL's dedicated entrepreneurship hub in the King's Cross Knowledge Quarter, managed by UCL Innovation & Enterprise.
Here they received free support, mentorship and equity free office space as well as masterclasses, clinics and competitions to fast-track their success and prepare them for investment.
Florence said: "Being on the Hatchery incubator programme gave us a focused space to thrash out our business ideas and develop our skills as founders. But most of all, we had access to this incredibly supportive community.
"The weekly meet-ups meant we could meet other inspiring young entrepreneurs but also help each other out with any challenges. So we felt much less on our own with things than we would've otherwise."
