With escalating tariffs under the Trump administration, businesses face increasing geopolitical risks. Effective decision-making in this rapidly changing environment presents a significant challenge for corporations, non-profits, and consulting firms alike. London-based startup Hence AI recently launched Hence Global, an AI software product designed to help organizations monitor and manage these risks.
Hence Global offers two primary functionalities: first, it provides risk tracking and mitigation suggestions for companies of all sizes; second, it assists consulting and legal firms in generating insightful analytical reports for their clients. Shaun West, CEO and co-founder, describes Hence Global as a "pocket AI business consultant," available for an annual fee of just $1500 – significantly less than traditional consulting firms.
West believes the product democratizes access to information, making expert advice readily available to startups and non-profits. He notes that while large corporations can typically afford expensive consulting fees, the majority of market participants can effectively meet their needs through technology.
Leveraging Palantir's Foundry and AI platform, Hence Global integrates various AI models to analyze information relevant to a client's specific needs and industry. The system draws data from news headlines, Wikipedia, SEC filings, press releases, and public data sources such as sanctions lists and World Bank information.
Clients can create customized information requests. For example, a multinational cryptocurrency infrastructure company wanting real-time monitoring of geopolitical developments relevant to its operating environment will receive daily news updates generated by Hence Global.
The product is beneficial not only for companies seeking to understand their own risks but also for service organizations tracking information for clients. When monitoring a specific company, the system prompts the user to classify it as a client, competitor, or supplier, enabling different analytical perspectives.
As a result, Hence Global has quickly attracted several new clients, including TravelPerk, Diversifi Capital, and Three Crowns. Rohit Dhawan, CEO of the International Council on Mining and Metals, uses Hence Global to monitor market sentiment and policy shifts, allowing for timely adjustments to company strategy.
Hence AI's second product is Hence Legal, focused on external counsel management, matter management, and litigation management. The company team is spread across the UK, Rwanda, the US, and the Netherlands. They have secured approximately $5.2 million in funding and plan further fundraising.
When asked about potential acquisition by larger research institutions or consulting firms, West stated that they prefer to remain independent, focusing on enabling access to expert advice for users globally.
Key Highlights:
🌍 Hence AI's Hence Global helps businesses monitor geopolitical risks and provides mitigation strategies.
💰 The product's annual fee of $1500 significantly lowers the barrier to accessing professional consulting.
📈 Hence Global has already attracted multiple corporate clients, assisting them in quickly understanding market dynamics and potential risks.