A Seattle-based startup founded by three technology industry veterans is developing an innovative artificial intelligence tool born from a deeply personal experience. Following the loss of her husband to cancer, ACME Brains CEO Mary Jesse found solace in interactions with ChatGPT, but also discovered limitations in the AI’s ability to maintain conversation context and ensure user privacy.
This revelation led Jesse to collaborate with Alan Caplan and Bob Bergstrom in creating a new AI assistant called nexie, powered by what they describe as a “personal context engine.” The system aims to address key shortcomings of existing AI platforms by maintaining continuous memory of past interactions while giving users complete control over their data.
The founding team brings extensive experience to the venture. Jesse’s background includes leadership roles at McCaw Cellular and AT&T Wireless, followed by co-founding RadioFrame Networks and serving as CEO of MTI. Bergstrom, serving as chief scientist, combines four decades of experience as both a software engineer and patent attorney. Caplan, the company’s COO, was Amazon’s first general counsel and later held senior positions at both Blue Origin and Vulcan.
Unlike major AI platforms that embed memory capabilities within large language models, ACME Brains has developed a patent-pending
architecture that keeps user data separate and secure. The company envisions nexie as a versatile tool that can function as a digital journal, travel companion, or relationship tracker, adapting to individual user needs.
The startup plans to offer both free and premium subscription tiers, explicitly avoiding advertising-based revenue models or data monetization strategies. Rather than competing directly with established AI platforms, nexie is designed to enhance their capabilities by adding persistent memory and privacy features.
Looking ahead, ACME Brains sees potential for their technology to evolve into a “personal credential” system that could securely carry user context across different AI applications and platforms. The company currently operates with approximately 11 team members working virtually across technology development, marketing, and operations departments.
The venture has thus far been self-funded by its founders, and development is progressing with a working prototype already in place. The team plans to begin alpha testing soon, followed by a beta program focused on gathering user feedback. Interested users can sign up for future beta testing through the company’s website at mynexie.com.
ACME Brains anticipates launching nexie to the public either in late 2025 or early 2026. The startup’s approach represents a significant departure from current AI assistants, addressing growing concerns about data privacy and the need for more personalized, context-aware AI interactions.
The development of nexie illustrates how personal experiences can drive technological innovation, with Jesse’s late-night interaction with ChatGPT during a period of grief evolving into a potential solution for broader challenges in AI technology. The focus on user privacy and data control also reflects growing awareness of these issues in the AI industry.
Operating from Seattle, ACME Brains joins the city’s vibrant technology ecosystem, adding to its reputation as a hub for AI and software innovation. The company’s emphasis on privacy-focused AI development comes at a time when concerns about data security and AI ethics are increasingly prominent in public discourse.