Maisa AI Secures $25M to Address the 95% Failure Rate in Enterprise AI Solutions

A New Era in AI: Maisa AI Addresses the 95% Failure Rate of Generative AI Pilots

A staggering 95% of generative AI pilots at companies are failing, according to a recent report published by MIT’s NANDA initiative. However, forward-thinking organizations are not giving up. Instead, they are exploring agentic AI systems capable of learning and being efficiently supervised.

Introducing Maisa AI: Pioneering Accountable AI Solutions

This is where Maisa AI steps in. The innovative startup has built its foundation on the belief that enterprise automation needs accountable AI agents rather than obscure black boxes. With a recent $25 million seed funding round led by European VC firm Creandum, Maisa has unveiled Maisa Studio—a model-agnostic self-service platform that enables users to train digital workers using natural language.

A Unique Approach to AI-Driven Processes

While the concept might seem akin to vibe coding platforms like Cursor and Lovable, Maisa emphasizes a fundamentally different methodology. “Instead of using AI to generate responses, we leverage AI to construct the processes required to achieve those responses—what we call ‘chain-of-work,’” says CEO David Villalón.

The Visionary Team Behind Maisa AI

Leading this innovative approach is co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer Manuel Romero, a former colleague of Villalón at the Spanish AI startup Clibrain. They recognized the limitations of AI in 2024, expressing the need for a solution that mitigated hallucinations, understanding that “you cannot solely rely on AI,” as Villalón articulated.

HALP: Human-Augmented LLM Processing

Maisa introduces HALP, or Human-Augmented LLM Processing, a unique system that encourages user interaction while digital workers delineate their operational steps. This approach resembles students solving problems at a blackboard, making the process more collaborative.

Maisa AI - Worker builder
Image Credits: Maisa AI

Building Trust with the Knowledge Processing Unit

Maisa also developed the Knowledge Processing Unit (KPU), a deterministic mechanism designed to curb hallucinations. Initially focused on solving technical challenges rather than specific use cases, Maisa soon discovered that its emphasis on reliability resonated with organizations eager to apply AI responsibly—ranging from a prominent bank to firms in the automotive and energy sectors.

Revolutionizing Robotic Process Automation

By catering to enterprise clients, Maisa aims to redefine robotic process automation (RPA), facilitating productivity boosts without the need for rigid, predefined protocols or extensive manual coding. The startup offers deployment in both secure cloud and on-premises environments to meet diverse organizational needs.

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Strategizing for Future Growth in the AI Landscape

Despite its enterprise-first orientation resulting in a smaller customer base compared to the millions flocking to freemium vibe-coding platforms, Maisa aims to capture market share as these competitors pivot to enterprise appeal. The launch of Maisa Studio is designed to expand its customer funnel and facilitate adoption.

Global Expansion Plans and Industry Partnerships

Maisa plans to scale with existing clients with operations across various countries. With headquarters in Valencia and San Francisco, Maisa is set to strengthen its foothold in the U.S.; its $5 million pre-seed funding last December was led by San Francisco venture firms NFX and Village Global.

Attracting Investment for Regulated Sectors

TechCrunch has learned that U.S. firm Forgepoint Capital International participated in this latest funding round through its European venture with Banco Santander, emphasizing Maisa’s appeal within regulated industries.

Maisa’s Unique Position in the Competitive AI Marketplace

Focusing on intricate use cases that demand accountability from non-technical users could set Maisa apart from competitors like CrewAI and various other AI-driven workflow automation tools. In a recent LinkedIn post, Villalón underscored the pitfalls of the “AI framework gold rush,” warning that shortcuts can lead to long-term complications when reliability, auditability, and corrective measures are needed.

Doubling Staff to Meet Demand and Deliver Results

With ambitions of expanding its team from 35 to 65 by the first quarter of 2026, Maisa is poised for rapid growth. Starting in late 2025, the startup expects to serve its waiting list and prove that it can deliver on its promises. “We are going to show the market that there is a company that is delivering what has been promised, and that it’s working,” Villalón asserts.

Here are five FAQs with answers related to the funding and mission of Maisa AI:

FAQ 1: What is Maisa AI, and what problem is it aiming to solve?

Answer: Maisa AI is a technology company focusing on improving enterprise AI solutions. The company aims to address the high failure rate of 95% in enterprise AI implementations by providing more effective and reliable tools and frameworks for businesses.

FAQ 2: How much funding did Maisa AI secure, and what will it be used for?

Answer: Maisa AI has secured $25 million in funding. This capital will be utilized to enhance their technology, scale their operations, and develop more robust AI solutions to help enterprises deploy AI successfully and efficiently.

FAQ 3: Why is the failure rate for enterprise AI so high?

Answer: The high failure rate in enterprise AI often stems from various factors, including a lack of understanding of AI technology, insufficient data quality, inadequate integration with existing systems, and unrealistic expectations regarding outcomes. Maisa AI aims to streamline these processes to improve overall success.

FAQ 4: What makes Maisa AI different from other AI companies?

Answer: Maisa AI distinguishes itself by focusing specifically on the enterprise sector’s unique challenges. Their solutions are tailored to provide actionable insights, improve data handling, and facilitate smoother implementation processes compared to generic AI offerings.

FAQ 5: What industries can benefit from Maisa AI’s solutions?

Answer: Maisa AI’s solutions can benefit a wide range of industries, including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and logistics. Any sector looking to leverage AI for improved efficiency, analytics, and decision-making can find value in Maisa’s offerings.

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Can AI Address the Loneliness Crisis?

Combatting Loneliness in the Age of AI: Can Technology Help Rebuild Connections?

In a world overflowing with digital interactions, our real-life social circles are rapidly diminishing. The United States Surgeon General’s 2023 advisory reveals that individuals aged 15 to 24 now engage in nearly 70% less face-to-face interaction with friends compared to 2003, labeling this decline as a public health crisis.

This alarming statistic serves as a crucial reminder that reducing social interactions poses significant health risks. It raises a compelling question: can artificial intelligence (AI) play a pivotal role in mending our social fabric?

A Nation in Social Distress

Beneath the 70% decline in social interaction lies a broader issue. A report from the Harvard Graduate School of Education indicates that 36% of Americans—especially 61% of young adults and 51% of mothers with small children—experience severe loneliness.

Loneliness transcends mere feelings of sadness; it has serious health implications, suppressing immunity and increasing cortisol levels, leading to cardiovascular risks comparable to smoking a pack of cigarettes daily. Simply put, your health deteriorates when your social calendar remains empty.

As AI technology evolves, we are witnessing innovative applications, with individuals turning to AI for companionship and conversation. These AI systems engage users, respond to their emotions, and offer a semblance of connection. The pressing question is no longer whether AI will address loneliness, but how effectively it can act as a facilitator rather than a barrier.

Can AI Offer Genuine Support?

Research from Harvard Business School titled “AI Companions Reduce Loneliness” highlights six studies with over 600 participants, showing that a 15-minute interaction with an AI companion can significantly alleviate loneliness—comparable to conversations with other humans, provided the AI makes users feel “heard.”

This concept has broader implications. In New York, over 800 individuals received desk-sized social robots, with 95% reporting decreased loneliness after just a month. Many embraced prompts to drink water, go outside, or contact a relative. However, developers emphasize that these robots are meant to augment rather than replace human interactions.

Experts caution that friendship-enhancing apps can easily morph into traps for unhealthy parasocial relationships, promoting withdrawal from genuine human interactions. This could potentially deepen loneliness instead of addressing it.

AI’s Role: Bridge or Barrier?

The social impact of AI is intricately tied to issues of justice and equity. A 2021 McKinsey survey revealed that 56% of businesses in emerging economies have integrated AI into their operations, often surpassing infrastructure limitations. This is crucial, as loneliness tends to proliferate in areas of scarce opportunity.

Consider the following examples:

  • Health: In 2024, the organization CareMessage introduced its Health-Equity Engine, featuring an AI assistant that analyzes patient responses to identify needs like transportation and food security, reducing no-show rates in underserved clinics.
  • Education: Adaptive learning platforms like Lalilo assess students’ abilities through various exercises to provide personalized learning experiences that cater to individual needs.

When designed inclusively, AI can help tackle the root causes of loneliness, such as language barriers and socioeconomic struggles. However, without proper frameworks, regions with limited data may be overlooked, potentially widening the gap. The outcome largely depends on policy decisions and design approaches made by stakeholders.

Media representations further complicate the narrative surrounding AI’s role in relationships. In Spike Jonze’s 2013 film “Her,” audiences sympathize with a character’s affection for a digital companion. Conversely, the 2025 thriller “Companion” presents a darker view when an AI partner spirals out of control. Meanwhile, “M3GAN” features a doll whose protective programming results in chaos. While these portrayals exaggerate realities, they pose critical questions: Will AI companions encourage human connections or isolate individuals?

Understanding AI’s Limitations

Despite advancements, even the most advanced language models lack the nuances of human interaction, such as scent, touch, and eye contact. Research at TU Dresden in 2024 revealed that social touch can activate C-tactile fibers, triggering oxytocin release and lowering cortisol levels—effects unattainable through screens.

Here’s why human connection remains vital:

  • Shared Uncertainty: True friends astonish you, fostering empathy that scripted interactions can’t replicate.
  • Tactile Co-Regulation: A hug stabilizes heart rates for both parties, a feat Wi-Fi can’t achieve.
  • Full-Spectrum Cues: Nonverbal signals enrich our social experience.
  • Mutual Memory Making: Shared experiences solidify memories more effectively than digital impressions.
  • Authentic Accountability: Humans hold one another accountable in ways AI simply cannot.
  • Embodied Intuition: Body language cues signal emotional states long before words are spoken.
  • Endocrine Reaction: Human touch releases serotonin and dopamine in ways AI cannot replicate.

While AI can mimic certain facets of human interaction, it cannot encapsulate the complete emotional spectrum.

Looking Ahead: The Future of AI and Connection

AI on its own won’t solve the loneliness epidemic, nor should it define our existence. Instead, it can empower users to foster connections, depending on how regulators, designers, and users guide its use. Envisioning AI as a tool to strengthen communities rather than isolate individuals can pave the way for more fulfilling human interactions.

Let AI assist you in organizing social events, reminding you to reach out, or even helping with conversations. It can streamline logistics, but never forget the importance of deeper engagements. Use tools like voice assistants to schedule coffee dates, send birthday reminders, or role-play tough conversations—all before stepping out and connecting with your community beyond the screen.

Certainly! Here are five FAQs regarding the topic "Can AI Solve the Loneliness Epidemic?":

FAQ 1: What is the loneliness epidemic?

Answer: The loneliness epidemic refers to the widespread feelings of isolation and disconnection experienced by many individuals, often exacerbated by factors like social media use, urban living, and the decline of community engagement. It has significant implications for mental and physical health.

FAQ 2: How can AI help address loneliness?

Answer: AI can help combat loneliness by facilitating social interactions through chatbots, virtual companions, and social apps that connect people with similar interests. These technologies can provide a sense of companionship, especially for those who may feel isolated.

FAQ 3: Are AI companions effective in reducing loneliness?

Answer: Research suggests that AI companions can provide emotional support, encourage social interaction, and help users feel more connected. However, while they can alleviate feelings of loneliness to some extent, AI cannot fully replace human relationships.

FAQ 4: What are the limitations of using AI to solve loneliness?

Answer: Limitations include the lack of genuine emotional understanding in AI, potential dependency on technology for social interaction, and the risk of increasing isolation if people opt for AI companionship over real-world connections. Additionally, cultural and individual differences affect how people respond to AI interactions.

FAQ 5: What other solutions exist to combat the loneliness epidemic?

Answer: Other solutions include promoting community engagement, fostering face-to-face interactions, initiating support groups, and encouraging various socialization activities. Mental health resources and awareness campaigns also play crucial roles in addressing loneliness more holistically.

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NVIDIA Releases Hotfix to Address GPU Driver Overheating Concerns

Controversial NVIDIA Driver Update Sparks Concerns in AI and Gaming Communities

NVIDIA Releases Critical Hotfix to Address Temperature Reporting Issue

NVIDIA recently released a critical hotfix to address a concerning issue with their driver update that caused systems to falsely report safe GPU temperatures while quietly climbing towards potentially critical levels. The issue, as highlighted in NVIDIA’s official post, revolved around GPU monitoring utilities failing to report accurate temperatures after a PC woke from sleep.

Timeline of Emergent Problems Following Driver Update

Following the rollout of the affected Game Ready driver 576.02, reports started surfacing on forums and Reddit threads, indicating disruptions in fan curve behavior and core thermal regulation. Users reported instances of GPUs idling at high temperatures and overheating under normal operational loads, prompting concerns and complaints.

The Impact of the Faulty Update

The faulty 576.02 driver update had widespread implications, leading to user reports of GPU crashes due to heat buildup, inconsistent temperature readings, and potential damage to system components. The update, while initially offering performance improvements, ultimately caused more harm than good, especially for users engaged in AI workflows relying on high-performance hardware.

Risk Assessment and Damage Control

While NVIDIA has provided a hotfix to address the issue, concerns remain regarding the long-term effects of sustained high temperatures on GPU performance and system stability. Users are advised to monitor their GPU temperatures carefully and consider rolling back to previous driver versions if necessary to prevent potential damage.

Protecting AI Workflows from Heat Damage

AI practitioners face a higher risk of heat damage due to the intensive and consistent workload placed on GPUs during machine learning processes. Proper thermal management and monitoring are crucial to prevent overheating and maintain optimal performance in AI applications.

*This article was first published on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Q: What is this NVIDIA hotfix for GPU driver’s overheating issue?
A: This hotfix is a software update released by NVIDIA to address overheating issues reported by users of their GPU drivers.

Q: How do I know if my GPU is affected by the overheating issue?
A: If you notice your GPU reaching higher temperatures than usual or experiencing performance issues, it may be a sign that your GPU is affected by the overheating issue.

Q: How do I download and install the NVIDIA hotfix for the GPU driver’s overheating issue?
A: You can download the hotfix directly from the NVIDIA website or through the GeForce Experience application. Simply follow the instructions provided to install the update on your system.

Q: Will installing the hotfix affect my current settings or data on my GPU?
A: Installing the hotfix should not affect your current settings or data on your GPU. However, it is always recommended to back up important data before making any software updates.

Q: Are there any additional steps I should take to prevent my GPU from overheating in the future?
A: In addition to installing the hotfix, you can also ensure proper ventilation and cooling for your GPU, clean out any dust or debris from your system regularly, and monitor your GPU temperatures using software utilities.
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