Core Insights - The article discusses the significant shift in search behavior due to AI-driven chat search tools, which have captured 5% of desktop search traffic in the U.S. as of early 2024, up from 1.3% earlier in the year, indicating a critical turning point in user habits [2] - The traditional SEO model is being replaced by a new paradigm termed "GEO + AI ecosystem cultivation," emphasizing the need for brands to adapt to this change [2] Group 1: Foundational Changes in Search - The rise of AI search tools marks a departure from the conventional "keyword + click" model to a direct answer retrieval approach, disrupting established SEO practices [2] - Historical data suggests that surpassing a 3% user habit threshold indicates a significant shift, which has now been achieved by AI search tools [2] Group 2: Company Background and Development - Profound was founded by James Cadwallader and Dylan Babbs, who recognized the need for brands to maintain visibility in AI-generated answers [5] - The company completed its angel funding round in spring 2024 and launched its MVP in summer 2024, quickly attracting major clients and securing a total funding of $58.5 million by August 2025 [7] Group 3: Founders' Profiles - James Cadwallader is noted for his marketing acumen and ability to drive brand growth through content, while Dylan Babbs brings technical expertise from his experience at Uber [9][10] Group 4: Product Overview - Profound's platform serves as a comprehensive tool for tracking AI visibility, optimizing content for AI answers, and generating new content based on AI preferences [12] - The platform includes modules for AI visibility tracking, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and content creation with gap analysis [13][14][15] Group 5: Case Study - Lake.com utilized Profound's services to enhance its visibility in AI platforms, resulting in a fivefold increase in organic traffic and a 50% visibility rate in AI-generated answers for non-branded keywords [16][18] Group 6: Implications for the Chinese Market - The article highlights a similar trend in China, where AI search products are gaining traction, and emphasizes the importance for brands to establish an AI answer optimization system early on [22] Group 7: Future Outlook - The article posits that brand operations will increasingly involve long-term collaboration with AI models, suggesting that neglecting this aspect could lead to brand invisibility in the consumer landscape [25]