Every day, conversations on social media and websites unfold, but some can quickly turn into public controversies. Gudea, a company that tracks stories and rumors online, is using AI to help organisations spot potential issues before they become crises. Unlike traditional social listening platforms, Gudea’s AI analyses the relationships and pathways through which information travels, providing context behind the growth of mentions.

Gudea was founded in 2023 by Keith Presley, Jonathan Sperber, and James Thomin, with Presley bringing his experience in political campaigns and defence, Sperber in disinformation research, and Thomin in AI and machine learning. The company has nearly 40 clients, including Fortune 50 companies and government agencies.

With the rise of generative AI, the need for Gudea’s technology has increased. The company has raised $7 million in seed funding and plans to expand its capabilities, including geolocation for narratives, to give customers greater access to the tools behind its analysis.

As AI tools lower the cost and effort required to generate content and coordinate online campaigns, Gudea aims to help organisations proactively defend their reputation and brand. The company will present its mission at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where it will make the case that companies need to take a more proactive approach to protecting their online presence.