A Conversation with Emilie Poteat from Advocate
In recent years, founders have been working tirelessly to build practical consumer use cases for AI and machine learning. However, one startup, Advocate, is taking a unique approach by applying these technologies to help people navigate the complex process of applying for federal government benefits.
The Problem with Government Benefits
Emilie Poteat, founder of Advocate, was inspired to start her company after witnessing firsthand the difficulties her stepfather faced when trying to obtain social security benefits. Despite being eligible, he encountered numerous obstacles throughout the application process, including a lengthy waiting period before receiving a response.
The Idea Behind Advocate
Poteat realized that AI and machine learning could potentially improve this process by automating certain tasks and streamlining communication between applicants and government agencies. She noted that using AI in this context would allow for more efficient use of resources, reducing the burden on both applicants and the government.
Why Government Benefits are the Perfect Use Case
Poteat emphasized that government benefits is an ideal area to build an AI model due to its vast documentation, policies, and data. A closed-loop system could learn from this information and improve over time, making it easier for people to access benefits they’re eligible for.
Building a Partnership with the Government
Advocate has been in discussions with government officials about building a third-party add-on to their existing infrastructure. Poteat reported that the government seems open to collaborating with an outside organization rather than developing the technology themselves.
The Challenges of Working with the Government
Poteat discussed the challenges she’s faced while working with government agencies, including navigating complex regulations and bureaucratic processes. However, she remains optimistic about the potential for AI to improve these systems.
The Company-Building Process
This episode also delves into the process of building Advocate as a company, including fundraising efforts. Poteat shared her experiences with venture capital firms, noting that those focused on "moonshots" were more willing to take risks on her startup than firms specifically targeting women and LGBTQ+ founders.
The Future of Advocate
Poteat’s long-term vision for Advocate is to make it easier for anyone eligible for government benefits to apply. She plans to expand into additional government benefit verticals shortly after launch, with the ultimate goal of creating a more efficient and accessible system.
Quotes from Emilie Poteat
- "It was not that the government was out to get people but rather that there was a missing piece of infrastructure, like a bridge or a road, but technological infrastructure that would sit between the American public and its federal government."
- "So we set out to build it."
About Emilie Poteat
Emilie Poteat is the founder of Advocate, a startup aimed at using AI to simplify the process of applying for federal government benefits. With her background in software development and passion for improving public services, she’s well-positioned to tackle this complex challenge.
About Rebecca Szkutak
Rebecca Szkutak is a senior writer at TechCrunch, covering venture capital trends and startups. Her previous experience includes reporting on the same beat for Forbes and the Venture Capital Journal.
About Dominic-Madori Davis
Dominic-Madori Davis is a senior reporter at TechCrunch, focusing on venture capital and startup coverage. He’s based in New York City and can be reached via Signal at +1 (646)-831-7565.
Additional Resources
- Founders: A podcast series from TechCrunch exploring the experiences of startup founders.
- Advocate: The company founded by Emilie Poteat to simplify government benefits applications using AI.