AI startup Convexus aims to transform civic engagement by addressing fragmentation in community discussions. Co-founded by Merrill Keating and her mother Doña Keating, the platform focuses on helping local governments and organizations achieve coordinated action rather than fostering division, which is common in traditional social media.
Utilizing an Explore-Align-Act framework, Convexus incorporates AI-assisted facilitation to assist groups in identifying common goals. The platform's engine is powered by Anthropic’s Claude API, which helps surface consensus and manage heated discussions effectively. This approach encourages constructive dialogue by highlighting "bridge-building" contributions that connect differing viewpoints.
Convexus features a unique live consensus meter that visually tracks agreement levels among participants, enhancing the dialogue experience. The Keatings emphasize that their AI operates without bias, serving various groups, including city councils and corporate teams, to foster productive conversations and decisions.