Seattle startup Direqt raised $4.5 million to boost its AI chatbot that aims to help publishers engage with consumers.
- Founded in 2017, Direqt builds chatbots interact with readers and can provide another revenue stream via ads. The startup has more than 75 customers including ESPN, The Sun, The Independent, and Cosmopolitan.
- The company’s co-founder and CTO Myk Willis is based in the Seattle region. CEO John Duffy previously led 3Cinteractive. The company’s other co-founders are Nick Martin and Bill Madden.
- Investors include former Google exec Todd Parker; NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino; Peter Callahan, former CEO of American Media; Ron Antevy, founder & CEO of e-Builder; and Dave Walsh, partner at Kayne Anderson.
