Building Safer AI for the Future
Generative AI is transforming industries, but many organizations still struggle to ensure their AI models are safe, transparent, and trustworthy. This challenge has opened the door for companies like Datumo, a Seoul-based startup focused on AI trust and safety. Datumo recently secured $15.5 million in fresh funding to enhance tools that help businesses test, monitor, and improve AI models without requiring deep technical expertise. This move positions Datumo to take on industry leaders in AI data services while addressing one of the most pressing issues in the AI space — building systems that are both high-performing and responsible.
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From Data Labeling to AI Trust and Safety Leadership
Datumo began its journey in 2018 as an AI data labeling company founded by David Kim and five fellow KAIST alumni. Initially operating under the name SelectStar, the team’s breakthrough idea was a reward-based app that allowed anyone to label data in their free time and earn money. Even before launching the app, Datumo generated pre-contract sales worth tens of thousands of dollars from KAIST alumni-led businesses. This early traction validated their concept and set the foundation for rapid growth. Within a year, Datumo surpassed $1 million in revenue, securing contracts with some of South Korea’s largest companies, including Samsung, LG, Hyundai, Naver, and SK Telecom.
Pivoting to Meet Evolving AI Needs
As the AI industry evolved, Datumo’s clients began requesting more than just data labeling. Businesses wanted tools to evaluate AI model outputs, compare performance, and ensure safety standards were met. Recognizing the demand, Datumo expanded its services into AI model evaluation. This pivot led to the release of Korea’s first benchmark dataset dedicated to AI trust and safety — a critical milestone in the company’s mission. Today, Datumo serves more than 300 clients and generated approximately $6 million in revenue in 2024. By focusing on explainability and safety, Datumo is addressing a gap that many organizations acknowledge but few actively solve.
Funding to Accelerate Global Expansion
The latest $15.5 million funding round, backed by major investors including Salesforce Ventures, will help Datumo scale its AI trust and safety platform globally. With a total of around $28 million raised to date, the company plans to enhance its tools, expand its dataset offerings, and make AI testing and monitoring accessible to businesses worldwide. At a time when explainability and safety are top concerns in AI adoption, Datumo’s combination of technical expertise and user-friendly solutions is positioning it as a key player in the global AI ecosystem.
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