Sandberg, other Meta vets invest in AI workplace communications startup

In a bold move following the closure of Meta's Workplace enterprise business, a team of ex-engineers from the tech giant has introduced Slashwork, a new corporate communication platform. The startup recently secured $3.5 million in funding from notable investors, including Cal Henderson, co-founder of Slack, and Sheryl Sandberg's venture capital firm, Sandberg Bernthal Venture Partners. Co-founded by Jackson Gabbard, David Miller, and Josh Watzman, Slashwork aims to revolutionize enterprise communication by integrating artificial intelligence into its platform. Gabbard, the CEO, shared insights with CNBC, emphasizing the innovative approach they are taking to redefine corporate communication for a future shaped by AI. "What does it look like whenever you start rethinking all of that from the ground up, with AI built into every place that it makes sense?" he posed. One of the standout features of Slashwork is its integration of large language models, which enhance the platform's search capabilities. Users can utilize AI agents to locate content, such as posts or images, that may not be easily accessible. This intelligent approach is designed to streamline the communication process within organizations. Meta's Workplace, launched in 2016, aimed to connect employees in a manner reminiscent of Facebook’s social network, but the platform was ultimately discontinued to refocus on the Metaverse and AI initiatives. The funding for Slashwork also includes contributions from several other former Facebook executives, such as David Fischer, Carolyn Everson, and AJ Tennant, who highlighted the importance of AI integration in the platform's functionality. Tennant remarked on the potential of AI agents to bridge existing gaps in enterprise communication, stating, "Having AI agents that support you in getting your work done, combined with the communication, is going to bridge a lot of gaps that I think exist in enterprise." Julien Codorniou, who played a pivotal role in the success of Facebook Workplace, is now on the board of Slashwork and is overseeing its development. Codorniou pointed out the limitations of current tools like Slack and Teams, which were created before the AI era, underscoring the necessity for systems that facilitate interactions between users and technology. Initially targeting smaller tech companies, Slashwork plans to expand its offerings later this year while maintaining a lean team focused on design and product development.