Who is Alice Albrecht?
Alice Albrecht is the founder and CEO of re:collect. Alice has over ten years of experience leading and advising teams building AI/ML-powered products at companies, including Simple Finance and Cloudera’s Fast Forward Labs. She also holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience from Yale University.
What is re:collect?
re:collect’s focus is on enhancing human intelligence by augmenting memory, perception, and synthesis utilizing AI. They believe in a future where human thinking and creativity will reach new heights, and they’re building the tools to help get there.
Their first product is an AI-powered browser extension and web app that automatically connects the information you consume and helps you quickly recall the right information when you need it to help further your thinking in the moment.
What is a fun fact about the re:collect team?
One of our first “offices” was a friend’s empty apartment during the peak of COVID. The team all got into the spirit, and we brought La Croix and snacks to go with our folding table and chairs in an otherwise empty NY apartment.
What inspired you to start your company?
I have studied human cognition and spent many years using machine learning to model and replicate what humans do. I’m very bullish on the notion that we can combine these two areas to augment humans rather than replace them, and I wanted to use my unique perspective and skillsets to build the tools to do that.
How will re:collect change the world?
We’re pioneering the future of enhanced intelligence and building our product such that technology will adapt to you, and not the other way around. We hope that by unlocking human potential in everyone- not just those who fit the norm- we’ll bring about an era of abundance.
What is the hardest part of being a founder? And what’s the most rewarding?
The hardest part of being a founder is knowing that, ultimately, the buck stops with you (or your co-founder(s) if you have them). The most rewarding is getting to work on exactly what you think you should be working on and seeing the results of that work.
What is the most important life, career or startup lesson you’ve learned, and who (or what) taught it to you?
I’ve learned that following your curiosity can be a superpower, and if you have grit and determination, you can follow that curiosity to very interesting places. I learned this first when I decided to apply to PhD programs, and it’s been reinforced throughout my life. When I failed to apply this lesson and followed someone else’s script, it almost always led to a less fulfilling path.
What is one thing you wish you’d known at the start of your startup journey?
I wish I’d known how much longer and more arduous the road to building your vision can be. When it’s your vision, you can already see it. But convincing others to see the same thing and actually making it a reality requires a lot more time and patience than I initially realized.
Why do you do what you do?
I’m endlessly fascinated by human minds and how we can better understand and make them better.
Where do you go for inspiration?
I read and listen to music a lot, and widely. Reading many different genres and authors from different walks of life and periods helps me feel like I have an endless community of people to inspire me. Listening to different types of music helps me to unlock and shift my thinking.
Anything else you want people to know?
We’re always looking for partners in our journey, so if something resonates, reach out!
Why Graham & Walker Loves re:collect
Graham & Walker believes re:collect could be the tool used anytime anyone wants to communicate their ideas. We could even see re:collect replacing search, and extending the human mind. Additionally, Alice is an incredibly impressive person, and a perfect founder with relevant experience as an AI and ML engineer.
