TLDR: Kumo, a leader in predictive AI, has been recognized on Fast Company’s fifth annual Next Big Things in Tech list for its groundbreaking work in applying artificial intelligence to enterprise relational data. The company’s KumoRFM, the first foundation model for relational data, offers significantly faster and more accurate predictions for critical business outcomes like fraud detection and customer churn.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – October 16, 2025 – Kumo, a vanguard in the field of predictive artificial intelligence, proudly announced today its inclusion in Fast Company’s prestigious fifth annual Next Big Things in Tech list. This accolade celebrates Kumo’s significant advancements in leveraging AI to transform how enterprises interact with their vast stores of relational data.
Kumo was distinguished in the Foundational AI category, a testament to its role in developing core technologies that underpin the next generation of intelligent systems. The recognition highlights Kumo’s innovative approach to integrating relational databases, which form the backbone of crucial business operations such such as customer records and transactions, into the modern AI landscape.
Historically, generating predictions from relational data relied on machine learning methods that have been in use for decades. Kumo has revolutionized this process with its flagship product, KumoRFM, heralded as the first foundation model specifically designed for relational data. This breakthrough enables users to seamlessly connect their enterprise databases and instantly generate precise predictions on key outcomes, including fraud detection and customer churn.
The impact of KumoRFM is substantial, offering up to a 20-fold acceleration in time to value and achieving 30-50% higher accuracy compared to conventional methods. This efficiency and precision empower businesses to unlock deeper insights and make more informed decisions from their existing data assets.
Dr. Vanja Josifovski, CEO and Founder of Kumo, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “We are honored to be recognized by Fast Company for being one of the most significant players in foundational AI.” He further emphasized the practical application of Kumo’s technology, noting, “We’ve been proud to work with leading organizations like Databricks, Snowflake, Reddit, and DoorDash — proof that enterprises across the board stand to gain from the value within their relational data.”
Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company, commented on the significance of the list: “Next Big Things in Tech is both a snapshot of the most interesting tech of the moment and a crystal ball that predicts the next several years. We’re excited to share this list with our readers, and we congratulate the winners for their vision and innovation.”
Also Read:
- Starburst Celebrates 2025 Data Visionary Award Winners for Pioneering Data and AI Strategies
- nCino Honored with Datos Insights Gold Medal for AI and Advanced Analytics in Banking
Kumo, which has successfully raised $37 million in funding and is backed by Sequoia Capital, was co-founded by Dr. Vanja Josifovski and two other PhDs who previously held executive leadership and academic positions at prominent tech companies and institutions including Pinterest, Airbnb, LinkedIn, and Stanford. Their collective expertise is now driving Kumo’s mission to make predictive AI accessible and practical for businesses of all sizes, reshaping the future of applications.
