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Blank Metal's Vision for AI Production

In a significant advancement for enterprise AI, Blank Metal has recently secured $3 million in seed funding, with an ambitious goal to elevate AI initiatives from mere concepts to full-scale production. Founded on a premise that aims to tackle the startling truth revealed by IDC—namely, that a staggering 88% of enterprise AI projects fail to progress beyond the pilot phase—this innovative engineering firm is committed to changing the narrative surrounding enterprise AI deployment.

The Current Landscape of AI Implementation

As companies invest heavily in AI, many find themselves trapped in what has been termed "pilot purgatory." Projects linger without producing results, leading to increased frustration and skepticism regarding the return on investment (ROI). Blank Metal makes bold claims of the ability to shift the paradigm with a 90-day guarantee for transitioning AI projects from pilot to production. The company believes that many consulting firms are entrenched in outdated methods, structured to facilitate long-term engagements rather than rapid value delivery.

Matt Johnson (MJ), the CEO of Blank Metal, emphasizes the need for a more dynamic approach. He states, "The traditional method of extensive deliberation and reliance on large consulting teams is outdated. The current state of AI technology allows for faster iterations and deployments, fundamentally altering how we realize value from AI initiatives."

A Fresh Approach to Enterprise AI

By positioning itself as an "anti-consultancy," Blank Metal disrupts the conventional consulting model that often extends the timeline of AI projects. The distinctions between traditional and their methodologies are clear:

• - Traditional Consultancy Model:

- Lengthy strategy phases (6 months or more) before any practical work begins;
- Large teams that prioritize billing hours over productivity;
- Protracted transformation programs often exceeding 18 months;
- Proof-of-concept efforts that seldom advance to full production;
- Success metrics focused on deliverables rather than actionable outcomes.

• - Blank Metal Model:

- Strategy sessions condensed to a matter of days or weeks;
- Small, senior teams dedicated to deploying solutions weekly;
- Guaranteed production deployments within 90 days or less;
- Reduced overhead costs, allowing the majority of funds to go towards building solutions;
- Success evaluated based on actual business impact rather than mere activities.

“The time and costs associated with realizing AI value can be drastically reduced,” asserts Mark Hines, Blank Metal’s COO. This fresh perspective allows for rapid prototyping and deployment, enabling clients to experience tangible results sooner than previously imagined.

Demonstrated Results from Initial Clients

Blank Metal's methodology is not just theoretical; it is already yielding results. Notable achievements from recent client initiatives demonstrate the effectiveness of their approach:

• - A national insurance company recorded a 20% increase in revenue through AI-enhanced underwriting processes, successfully moved to production within just 6 weeks.
• - Another enterprise client experienced a 30% boost in productivity with a generative AI platform that is now functioning across their entire workforce.

Unlike many AI initiatives that remain mere pilot projects, these solutions are set up for success, delivering real, measurable benefits to stakeholders.

Why Investors Are Taking Notice

The interest shown by investors further underscores the relevance of Blank Metal’s approach. Brock Noland from Pure Play Partners states, "Investing in Blank Metal is an obvious choice as they focus on solving the critical issue of transforming AI pilots into operational systems." The traditional model of consulting, characterized by lengthy engagements filled with studies and presentations, is on the decline. Matt Meents from Traction Capital captures the sentiment perfectly: "The time of paying firms for analysis is over. We need partners who can deliver working solutions swiftly."

Leadership Driving Innovation

The leadership at Blank Metal combines extensive industry experience with a startup mentality, creating a unique environment that fosters innovation. The founding team members—Matt Johnson (CEO), Mark Hines (COO), Eric Johnson (CTO), Elli Rader (CRO), Teresa Marchek (Head of Product), and Missy Bemm (Head of Partnership Operations)—bring significant credentials, including successful exits from previous ventures like GoKart Labs.

Looking Ahead: Scaling for Success

The fresh funding will allow Blank Metal not only to enhance its team of senior engineers but also to refine proprietary technologies aimed at accelerating deployments and safeguarding budgets. Expanding their renowned 90-Day Production Guarantee to assist a broader range of enterprises remains a strategic priority.

"Businesses are under immense pressure to realize the value from AI rather than letting resources drain away," MJ states. "We’ve built Blank Metal for those organizations eager to transition from merely discussing ideas to rapidly bringing them to market."

As the company’s rallying call suggests, this potent phrase stands as an endorsement of Blank Metal's conviction that successful AI initiatives arise from swift deployment and continuous improvement, rather than getting mired in pilot doctrines.

About Blank Metal

Blank Metal specializes in engineering AI solutions, partnering with enterprises to ensure that AI applications yield production-grade results in under 90 days. The company’s amalgamation of strategic foresight and rapid implementation helps deliver AI solutions that significantly enhance business performance. To find out more, visit blankmetal.ai.

Media Contact:
Rachel Subasic, Rally Ventures, [email protected]