Aparna Acharekar, Co-Founder, coto
AI-Driven Approach to Safety & Inclusion
We at coto, are committed to promoting online safety for women and a platform that fosters emotional well-being for all. Therefore, we have deployed an AI-driven gender verification system on the app which uses facial recognition technology to identify users and their gender. Moreover, by harnessing the capabilities of AI, coto personalized interactions, ensuring each user feels uniquely recognized and valued, thereby fostering a deeper connection to the platform. We also use large language models and vector stores to organize, classify, and curate community content efficiently.
Marking a significant evolution from a women-only platform to a gender-inclusive space, we have recently expanded our live consultation model to cater to men as well. To ensure community safety, we have adopted various technological advancements ranging from AI-based expert verification & fraud detection, real-time moderation & sentiment analysis, to AI-driven safe matching for consultations and interest-based content filtering for home feeds.
Women’s Financial Inclusion
Our mission is to empower the women of India, recognizing their vital role in driving the country's long-term economic success. In accordance with this year’s Women's Day theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ at coto, we strive to emphasize on the importance of women’s financial inclusion, encourage entrepreneurship, and foster independence within a digitally secure environment.
Furthermore, post identifying a strong need-gap around men’s emotional wellness, we have recently expanded our live consultation services to include men as they remain largely underserved. Through these services, we are providing a platform to men to get expert guidance around topics like astrology, tarot, relationship advice and mental health.
Message for Women of India
"I urge all the incredible women to embrace their strength and chase their dreams. Whether you are a professional, a homemaker, or an entrepreneur, your contributions play a vital role in driving the development of our nation. To all the established and aspiring female entrepreneurs, keep challenging limits, embrace opportunities, and inspire change. Your journeys will pave the way for a more inclusive and empowered entrepreneurial landscape."
