Outset —AI-moderated research platform

Outset envisions a future where the depth of human insight is captured at unprecedented scale and speed, transforming qualitative research into a dynamic, automated exploration of human perspectives. We are pioneering a revolutionary shift from traditional interviews to AI-driven conversations that unlock rich, nuanced understanding while reaching hundreds or thousands simultaneously.

We are creating the world’s first AI interviewer that leverages advanced natural language processing and dialogue management to engage participants in probing, natural-feeling conversations across multiple languages and media formats. Our platform transforms qualitative research by seamlessly integrating live interviewing, transcription, sentiment analytics, and thematic synthesis into one unified experience.

Driven by a mission to empower enterprises with deeper user insights and faster innovation cycles, Outset is building the future of human-centered research and product discovery — enabling companies to see the world through their users' eyes with clarity and scale never before possible.

We've been watching the AI research space evolve rapidly, but Outset caught our attention for doing something genuinely different. Instead of just automating surveys or crunching numbers, they've built what's essentially an AI interviewer that can have real conversations with hundreds of people at once.

The concept sounds almost too good to be true — replace those expensive, time-consuming focus groups with an AI that actually probes deeper and asks follow-up questions. But with clients like Microsoft, Nestlé, and WeightWatchers already on board, it seems they've cracked the code.

What Makes This Interesting

Most research tools give you either scale or depth, rarely both. Outset's AI interviewer breaks that trade-off by conducting live video and text conversations that feel surprisingly natural. You upload your discussion guide, and the AI takes over — asking follow-ups, digging into emotional responses, and capturing the kind of nuanced insights you'd normally only get from a skilled human moderator.

The platform handles everything from transcription to analysis, automatically pulling out themes and quotes. It's like having a research team that never sleeps and can work in multiple languages simultaneously.

The Timing Feels Right

With their recent $17 million Series A led by 8VC, Outset is clearly hitting a nerve in the market. Companies are desperate for faster, cheaper ways to understand their users without sacrificing quality. Traditional research methods can take weeks and cost tens of thousands — Outset promises the same depth in days for a fraction of the cost.

The fact that they're already featured in major research buyer guides suggests the industry is taking notice. This isn't just another AI tool — it's potentially the future of qualitative research.

Who Should Pay Attention

Enterprise product teams and market researchers who are tired of choosing between quick-and-shallow surveys and expensive-but-deep interviews will find this compelling. If you're at a company that regularly conducts user research but struggles with the time and cost constraints, Outset could be a game-changer.

We're particularly intrigued by their ability to scale internationally — imagine running the same research study across dozens of markets simultaneously, all in local languages. That's the kind of capability that could reshape how global companies approach user insights.