The importance of high-quality data for large language models (LLMs) cannot be overstated, yet preparing this data remains a significant challenge for many companies. This challenge has created a prime opportunity for innovative entrepreneurs. One such venture is Illumex, a two-year-old Israeli startup founded by Inna Tokarev-Sela, the former VP of AI at Sisense. Illumex leverages generative AI to streamline the data preparation process for LLMs. Recently, the company secured a $13 million investment to further its mission.
Tokarev-Sela recognized the data readiness problem early on and founded Illumex to automate the organization of data for businesses. She explained that Illumex’s goal is to automatically map the business logic of an organization to its data, thus providing relevant data to address business users’ questions.
Technological Integration
Illumex combines several technologies, including genAI, graph databases, and relational databases, to create what Tokarev-Sela describes as a data fabric. This integrated data fabric allows companies to access and utilize data for training LLMs and other purposes. By bringing together diverse data sources and systems, Illumex offers a comprehensive solution that goes beyond mere data preparation.
Tokarev-Sela envisions Illumex as part of the broader AI workflow continuum. The company not only prepares data for models but also builds applications based on this data and deploys them. This holistic approach aims to simplify how end users interact with and extract value from the data provided by Illumex.
Illumex connects to various systems, including business applications, databases, warehouses, data lakes, CRM systems, support systems, and enterprise financial systems like SAP. This extensive connectivity automatically integrates all data descriptions and logic into a knowledge graph. This graph enables customers to gain a comprehensive understanding of their entire data landscape.
Semantic Understanding and Integration
Illumex provides a semantic understanding of the entire data stack, enhancing the deployment of generative AI with high accuracy, precision, and context awareness. This semantic layer allows businesses to utilize their data more effectively, making it easier to train and deploy AI models.
To ensure ease of use, Illumex integrates with existing enterprise communication tools such as Teams, Slack, and Google Meet. This integration allows users to continue working within familiar environments while benefiting from Illumex’s data capabilities. The platform is already being used by highly regulated companies in sectors like financial services and pharmaceuticals.
Illumex currently employs 30 people and plans to expand its team with the new funding. As a woman founder, Tokarev-Sela emphasizes creating a parent-friendly and female-majority company culture. She highlights that Illumex truly embodies its values, contrasting with companies that merely promote diversity and inclusion as slogans.
Investment and Future Plans
The $13 million investment round was led by Cardumen Capital, Amdocs Ventures, and Samsung Ventures, with participation from ICI Fund, Jibe Ventures, Iron Nation Fund, Ginnosar Ventures, Icon Fund, Today Ventures, and unnamed industry angels. This influx of capital will support Illumex’s growth and the continued development of its innovative solutions.
Illumex is addressing a critical need in the AI industry by making it easier for organizations to prepare and utilize data for LLMs. With its advanced technological integration and user-friendly approach, Illumex is poised to play a significant role in the evolving landscape of AI and data management. The recent investment will enable the company to expand its capabilities and continue to provide valuable solutions to its growing customer base.
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