1) Tell us about your background and how you started Ensis.
I am an engineer by training and have been coding since high school. I started multiple small businesses while at the University of Michigan, mostly centered around the increased demand for local business websites at the turn of the century. While at school I met my future-wife, and after spending a year post-graduation at Microsoft I returned to Michigan to get my MBA as part of my life’s goal to become an entrepreneur. After getting my MBA I joined Google where I first met Amit from Tau. After a few years at Google, a good friend and I started a mobile ad network called Tapjoy, which quickly grew into one of the largest mobile ad networks in the world. After a successful exit the same cofounder and I started a mobile commerce company called Karma which was acquired by Facebook one year later.
After 4 years at Facebook and three kids I started a company with future Ensis-cofounder Jon Sockell called Limbix. The Limbix mission was to use technology to improve the mental health struggles of adolescents. After an exit in July of 2023, Jon and I looked at the problems we faced most frequently at Limbix and discussed potential technology solutions. Ultimately we realized that the RFPs we had to complete in order to win the various government contracts we competed for had the potential to be done more quickly and at a higher quality with the use of generative AI. After spending months conducting market research with potential customers and surveying the competitive landscape, Ensis was born.
2) What are the key problems Ensis is addressing? How are AI and LLMs changing the RFP space?
The key problems Ensis are addressing are around the government RFP space. Government contractors are a large portion of the US market, earning roughly $1T annually. However, winning these contracts involves spending weeks, or even months completing long RFIs (requests for information) and RFPs (requests for proposal). With generative AI, Ensis can train its LLMs and silo’d databases on its customers previous RFPs, product specs, sales material, and other information to automatically complete this government solicitations in a fraction of the time and with a significant quality upgrade.
3) What are you most looking forward to in the new year?
We just launched an Early Access Program for companies who want to participate in the Ensis beta. The beta starts in Q1 and will enable companies to quickly and easily respond to their RFPs. We’re limiting the program to 5 companies and we’re taking applications now. We have a few interested companies already but would absolutely welcome any introductions. Learn more about the Early Access Program here: https://hubs.ly/Q029v9Vk0.
4) What have you enjoyed or what do you look forward to about working with Tau Ventures?
We love the collaborative approach Tau takes with their portfolio companies. A combination of strategic advice when requested with the tactical introductions to customers and co-investors has been appreciated from day 1. We’re thrilled to be working with the Tau team and their phenomenal LPs as we take Ensis from idea through to product launch, revenue, and beyond.
