Solsten Company Profile

Background

Founded in 2018 in Berlin, Germany, Solsten is a pioneering company that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze human psychology, enabling brands to create deeply resonant and healthier digital experiences. The company's mission is to advance human experience by integrating AI and psychological insights, thereby empowering businesses to design products that align closely with their audiences' intrinsic motivations. Solsten's innovative approach has positioned it as a significant player in the gaming industry and beyond.

Key Strategic Focus

Solsten's strategic focus centers on enhancing digital experiences through a profound understanding of human psychology. The company specializes in providing AI-driven insights that help businesses tailor their products and services to meet the psychological needs of their users. By analyzing anonymized data, Solsten enables companies, particularly in the gaming sector, to create more engaging and meaningful interactions. Their primary markets include gaming studios and publishers seeking to improve user engagement and satisfaction.

Financials and Funding

Since its inception, Solsten has raised a total of $31 million in funding. The most recent funding round, a Series B, secured $21.8 million in August 2022. This round was led by Denver-based investment firm Konvoy, with participation from returning investors Inventure, GFR Fund, Sisu Game Ventures, and Bascom Ventures. New investors included Galaxy Interactive, Dentsu Ventures, and Warburg Serres. The capital is intended to further develop Solsten's product suite, expand its Minneapolis headquarters, and fund future clinical trials.

Pipeline Development

Solsten's product ecosystem comprises three core elements: Traits, Navigator, and Frequency. These tools collectively enable companies to design better digital experiences by providing deep insights into audience psychology. Additionally, Solsten is pursuing clinical trials to explore the use of real games as digital therapeutics aimed at measuring and improving mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These trials are set to begin in 2022, with the goal of achieving FDA approval for games that can assess and enhance mental health.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Solsten distinguishes itself through its proprietary AI-based platform that measures human psychology at scale. By combining machine learning, AI, and adaptive psychometric assessments, the company provides actionable insights that enable businesses to create human-centered digital experiences. This innovative approach allows for a deeper understanding of user behavior and preferences, setting Solsten apart in the industry.

Leadership Team

Joe Schaeppi, Co-founder and CEO: With a background in clinical mental health counseling, Joe leads Solsten's mission to integrate psychological insights with AI to enhance digital experiences.

Bastian Bergmann, Co-founder and COO: An expert in business and technological innovation, Bastian co-founded Solsten to bridge the gap between technology and human psychology.

Brian Heimann, VP of Marketing: Brian oversees Solsten's marketing strategies, leveraging his extensive experience to drive growth and brand awareness.

Matt Evans, VP of Customer Success: Matt ensures client satisfaction and success, focusing on delivering value through Solsten's products and services.

Leadership Changes

As of the latest available information, there have been no significant recent changes or appointments within Solsten's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for AI-driven customer engagement platforms is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for personalized digital experiences. Companies are seeking innovative solutions to understand and predict user behavior, creating a competitive landscape with substantial opportunities for differentiation.

Competitor Analysis

Solsten's primary competitors include:

Trend Hunter: A trend platform and accelerator that provides insights into emerging market trends.

MRQual: Utilizes AI to extract insights from online surveys, focusing on market research.

UpFlux: Assists organizations in improving internal processes through AI-driven solutions.

Ambition: Develops a sales performance management platform aimed at enhancing team productivity.

While these companies offer various AI-driven solutions, Solsten's unique integration of psychology and AI to enhance digital experiences sets it apart in the market.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Solsten has established significant collaborations with international gaming studios and publishers, including MobilityWare, Mythical Games, Sky Mavis, Super Evil Megacorp, Starbreeze, Tilting Point, and Wooga. These partnerships enable Solsten to apply its AI-driven insights to a wide range of gaming experiences, enhancing user engagement and satisfaction.

Operational Insights

In the competitive landscape of AI-driven customer engagement platforms, Solsten's distinct advantage lies in its integration of psychological insights with AI technology. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of user behavior, enabling the creation of more personalized and engaging digital experiences. By focusing on human-centered design, Solsten differentiates itself from competitors who may primarily rely on traditional data analytics.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Solsten aims to expand its product suite to become the go-to platform for audience understanding and experience management, particularly in the gaming industry. The company is also exploring the use of real games as digital therapeutics to measure and improve mental health, with clinical trials set to begin in 2022. These initiatives position Solsten to capitalize on the growing demand for personalized digital experiences and the increasing recognition of the therapeutic potential of gaming.