Blue Tokai appoints Umwelt.AI’s chatbot Nikki as chief listening officer

Coffee brand Blue Tokai has appointed an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot named Nikki as its chief listening officer, marking what the company calls an important step toward improving employee engagement and workplace culture.

Nikki has been developed by HR tech startup Umwelt.AI and is designed to offer real-time data and insights about how employees feel across the organization.

Last year, Umwelt.AI raised $125,000 in a seed funding round led by SaaS accelerator Upekkha.

Focus on workplace culture and engagement

Blue Tokai, which is based in Gurugram, plans to use Nikki to track feedback and address workforce concerns in a more timely way. The chatbot will use analytics to measure employee sentiment, identify potential problem areas, and help the human resources team act quickly when issues arise. 

By automating some of these processes, Blue Tokai hopes to strengthen overall satisfaction and reduce the rate at which workers leave the company.

Leadership comments

According to Chief Human Resources Officer Sujit Bose, the partnership with Umwelt.AI makes it possible to create a more proactive and technology-driven approach to how the company supports its employees.

“Our vision has always been to create a workplace that fosters growth, inclusivity, and well-being. Partnering with Umwelt.AI allows us to take a much more proactive and tech-driven approach to employee experience, ensuring our teams really feel valued and empowered. This will reflect our commitment to innovation not only in coffee but also in our workplace culture,” Sujit Bose, chief human resources officer, Blue Tokai, said.

Umwelt.AI’s founder and CEO, Vishal Chopra, said the chatbot uses sentiment analysis to offer data-driven insights that can help Blue Tokai address concerns, boost engagement, and build a more supportive environment.

"With Nikki, our AI chatbot, Blue Tokai can leverage real-time sentiment analysis to gain deeper insights into employee experiences, proactively address concerns, and create a supportive work environment where engagement improves, attrition decreases, and business performance strengthens. By integrating AI-powered solutions, organizations can make more informed decisions that enhance employee well-being and drive long-term success,” Chopra said.

Plans for expansion and investment

The move to introduce an AI-powered chief listening officer comes after Blue Tokai received a $35 million investment in August 2024 in a round led by Verlinvest, along with its existing investors Anicut Capital and A91 Partners.

Founded in 2013, the company has said it will use the capital to grow its business by expanding in major metro markets and entering new Tier I and Tier II cities over the next few years.

It plans to set up more than 350 locations in the next 30 to 36 months, focus on developing new products, and explore additional distribution channels.