
Chatstat, the innovative child protection tech startup from Queensland, is on a rapid growth trajectory after shifting to a Business-to-Business (B2B) model just 18 months ago. Initially designed to serve parents, the company is now making significant strides within the education sector, protecting over 35,000 children across 35 Australian schools.
Utilizing advanced AI, Chatstat provides real-time social media monitoring to detect digital threats like cyberbullying, predators, and harmful content. Its technology alerts parents and educators and offers vital guidance on how to approach sensitive conversations with children about online dangers.
Founder Lawrence Kusz, originally from Michigan, says the shift to B2B was driven by the challenges of engaging parents directly. “We found it tough to get parents on board with our B2C model. B2B allows us to scale, reach more children, and get buy-in from schools that need these tools for the safety of their students,” Kusz shared.
Successful Australian Market Push Prepares for US Launch
With the Australian market proving the effectiveness of Chatstat’s platform, the company is now gearing up for its US debut in 2025. Kusz anticipates a 300% revenue increase as Chatstat’s AI-powered solutions hit the US market, with 15 employees split between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
“We’ve built enough cash flow to fund our expansion and are already developing systems personalized to US schools,” Kusz revealed, adding that the team has also benefitted from government and accelerator program support, including the University of Queensland’s Ventures and LuminaX programs.
Unlike conventional online monitoring tools that use invasive apps, Chatstat only analyzes publicly available social media content, ensuring greater trust with children. Kusz emphasized, “When parents install apps, it can break down trust. We focused on providing a tool that works without infringing on privacy.”
The platform’s multi-modal AI also analyzes harmful content and positive interactions, offering a complete picture for parents to understand their child’s online world. Kusz has also made efforts to provide Chatstat’s services free to schools in high-risk communities, prioritizing children who need it the most.
As Chatstat prepares to make waves in the US, there’s a growing call for schools to adopt this crucial tool for safeguarding students.
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