Tech Spark AI Secures $1.4 Million in Pre-Seed Funding for Innovative Generative AI Platform
On Wednesday, artificial intelligence firm Tech Spark AI announced a $1.4 million pre-seed funding round dedicated to developing Spark Plug, its new generative AI platform. This funding was spearheaded by TD Bank, with contributions from Salesforce, the Canadian government, and NBA Canada.
Founded eight years ago by Tamar Huggins in Toronto, Tech Spark AI initially focused on designing school curricula for Black and brown students across North America. This mission evolved into the development of a more tailored educational experience.
Spark Plug was co-created by Huggins and her 13-year-old daughter, Talia Grant, and aims to serve as a Black-owned alternative to existing AI search tools, particularly ChatGPT. The platform collaborates with educational institutions in the U.S. and Canada, specifically targeting schools in underserved Black and brown communities.
The initial version of Spark Plug enables users to translate classic literary texts into contemporary language, appealing primarily to Gen Z. Notably, the platform translates standard English into African American Vernacular English (AAVE), a dialect that has gained prominence among Gen Z online.
Huggins emphasized the importance of representation in technology, stating, “Oftentimes, technology is designed without considering the Black perspective, which negatively affects Black communities, especially in the realm of AI.” She believes the key is to identify specific challenges within these communities and leverage technology to develop impactful, tailored solutions.
The language model used by Spark Plug draws insights from her daughter, a member of Gen Z, as well as influential authors from the Harlem Renaissance and civil rights activists. While tailored for students, Spark Plug is accessible to users of all ages as a web application, aiming to establish itself as a leader in inclusive generative AI.
Huggins reflected on the historical exclusion of Black voices, asserting, “Black people have often felt out of place, necessitating the creation of our own spaces. Technology is no exception. By integrating the perspectives of those traditionally marginalized, we can steer AI towards positive change.”
Fundraising posed challenges early on. Huggins conceptualized Spark Plug in 2019, initiating development while expecting her youngest child in 2020. Following the tragic events surrounding George Floyd's murder, many investors expressed support for Black founders in edtech. However, Huggins, like numerous others, discovered that such commitments often fell short. However, after receiving an investment from TD Bank late last year, interest from other investors surged. “Once TD came on board, it opened doors for others who wanted to join in,” she noted.
Additionally, Huggins secured funding from the Investment Readiness Program by the Foundation for Black Communities. Omar Omar, the Foundation’s director of community investments, remarked that Spark Plug harnesses the valuable insights and experiences of Black communities, stating, “By centering the perspectives of these communities, Spark Plug is unlocking the potential for the future of technology.”
Beyond its translation capabilities, Spark Plug has introduced an assessment tool known as LearningDNA, designed to help educators better understand diverse learning styles. For instance, if a student learns best through auditory means, Spark Plug will present concepts set to a hip-hop melody. The platform also aims to expand its translation services to encompass various dialects, recognizing the uniqueness found within Black communities globally.
“A Black child’s experience in Canada markedly differs from that in the U.S., Haiti, or Jamaica,” Huggins stated. “To foster the changes we wish to see in our communities, we must reshape the learning experience, personalizing it to meet individual needs.”
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