AI Firm B R A I V E Launches in New York and San Francisco

The new brand artificial intelligence agency B R A IV E recently launched in San Francisco and New York. The firm, which helps companies create synergy between their brand and AI strategy and execution, was created by Co-Founder, Head of Strategy Trace Cohen and Co-Founder, Head of Technology Joe Kleinschmidt, in partnership with independent agency Venables Bell + Partners.

“Research predicts that 95% of interactions between consumers and businesses will be AI by the year 2025,” said Trace Cohen. “This will make smarts and efficiency the new normal for brands. When done right, CMOs can use AI to differentiate and bring their brand’s strengths to life in meaningful ways. Our work with B R A I V E will bridge the currently disparate worlds of brand and AI, and give CMOs the opportunity to truly lead with brand in this brave new world.”

B R A I V E’s unique approach builds brand purpose and DNA into its AI experience, creating artificial intelligence that is also “brand intelligent.” The firm’s services include strategic and creative consulting with marketers, beginning with online workshop sessions geared to developing strategies and ideating AI experiences that meet specific brand and business goals. The result is impactful, purpose driven-AI that builds brand equity and creates new emotional connections with consumers.

The B R A I V E team is led by industry veterans Trace Cohen and Joe Kleinschmidt. During her 30-year career, Trace has been at the forefront of emergent technology, and has led social media strategy at Razorfish and digital strategy at both Publicis and VB+P. She has also built breakthrough consumer experiences for brands such as Cisco, T-Mobile, Toyota, Levi’s, and eBay, to name a few. Joe Kleinschmidt is a two-time startup founder with a passion for creating simple, beautiful technology products that help people connect and collaborate. He was Co-Founder of Leverage Technology, which was used by Fortune 500s including Apple and The Home Depot, and he more recently launched Obindo, an AI-based digital assistant that integrates seamlessly into the workflow of large organizations.

“Today’s consumers are seeking authentic and purposeful brands, while at the same time organizations are increasingly driven by algorithmic and machine-driven interactions,” said VB+P Partner/COO Kate Jeffers. “At this crossroads, we believe that there is a great opportunity to bring a brand’s core attributes and personality to AI -- and that the companies that ultimately do this, will win. We’re thrilled to launch B R A I V E, and to offer this new capability and expertise to our clients.”