Every breakthrough starts with a simple, stubborn question: “Why is this still so hard?”
The Spark: Inspiration Strikes at YC
EmpowerAI was born at the intersection of two worlds. It all started when I attended a YC (Y Combinator) event hosted by Tom, the co-founder of Monzo. Listening to Tom talk about building products that are the next-gen of AI Revolution, AI that could take control of the system and do your tasks. I found myself reflecting on something closer to home—my parents.
Both are smart, resourceful, and independent, but they’re late adopters of technology. And every time they need to do something online—book a ticket, update a form, use a new app—they end up waiting for me to walk them through every single step. It’s not just my family. Millions of people feel left behind by tech, and I realized this isn’t a niche problem. It’s a global barrier.
The B2C Vision: EmpowerAI—Technology That Teaches, Not Replaces
My initial solution? An on-screen AI guide that empowers, not automates. I imagined a tool that could highlight buttons and fields in real time, gently guiding users step by step on top of the apps they already use. It wasn’t about making things automatic—it was about building confidence and independence. I wanted people like my parents to feel empowered, not helpless.
EmpowerAI’s target audience started with people like them:
- Older adults and late technology adopters
- Parents returning to the workforce
- Teachers and community workers navigating digital transformation
The vision was to launch a product that offered real value for individuals and families, but also had potential for partnerships with NGOs, government programs, and anyone committed to digital inclusion.
The Research: The Need Was Bigger Than I Thought:
Digging into the numbers and talking to users, the opportunity was massive. Over 1 billion people face digital barriers, and the global assistive tech market is worth over $30 billion, growing at a staggering 27% a year. Most importantly, almost every existing solution failed to actually teach—they either overwhelmed users or automated away the learning.
The Hackathon Shift: Bringing EmpowerAI to Life:
Then came the AI Engine Hackathon in London. Surrounded by ambitious, creative minds, many thought it was a waste, and many liked but they had an idea they wanted to work on. So, I met a duo who wanted to work on the Dev Tools, and my other friend suggested an AI agent to prevent employee poaching. I shared the EmpowerAI idea with them and due to its virality and need, they agreed to join. The excitement was instant—everyone saw the need and the potential. The team worked around the clock, building a prototype that could turn everyday tech struggles into moments of guided success- Kudos to them.
But as we started testing and talking to mentors, another insight emerged: Businesses have the exact same problem. Whether it’s onboarding customers, training employees, or supporting users, companies are constantly fighting digital friction.
The Pivot: Clueless—Visual B2B Workflows for Every Business.
That’s how Clueless was born. We realized our technology could transform not just individual lives, but entire organizations. With Clueless, businesses can deliver real-time, visual guidance to every user, turning confusion into clarity and frustration into confidence.
- User onboarding becomes intuitive
- Customer support becomes proactive
- Adoption of new features skyrockets
What started as a tool for my parents has become a B2B superpower—helping businesses empower thousands, not just one person at a time.
What’s Next: The Journey Continues:
Looking back, it’s amazing how a conversation at a YC event, a problem at my parents’ kitchen table, and a hackathon with strangers could lead to something this big. The lesson? Start with real human problems, listen hard, and stay open to the pivot.
Clueless now stands for every company that wants its users—and its team—to truly feel at home in the digital world. - In Progress
Check out the Demo: Link
Viral Video: Instagram
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