Tech startup CModel Knowledge relocating HQ from San Francisco to Birmingham, Alabama

CModel Data Inc., whose proprietary software helps companies operate more efficiently, is moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Birmingham, where the company plans to create 80 new jobs as it expands its operations, Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair announced today.

The technology startup has developed its AI-powered Cora program to provide corporate decision makers with insights and recommendations that enable them to develop and implement successful growth strategies.

According to CModel, Cora acts as a decision support engine that aggregates a company's key business data and uses machine learning to analyze metrics, assumptions, and industry benchmarks to provide curated, expert-driven recommendations.

“The innovators behind CModel Data have developed a software platform that enables business leaders to break through the static and gain the insights they need to grow their companies,” said McNair.

“This promising company is another great addition to Birmingham’s growing tech startup scene.”

CModel was co-founded by Teasha Cable, Dr. Russ Muzzolini, and Jazmine Cable-Whitehurst in San Francisco. The company participated in Amazon Web Services' first Impact Accelerator in 2022 and the Build in Tulsa Accelerator in 2023.

Thanks to an investment from an Alabama-focused venture capital fund and broad support for its growth project, CModel is moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Innovation Depot in Birmingham, one of the Southeast's leading incubators for technology-focused startups.

“With the support of Alabama's targeted venture capital fund and the enthusiastic support of Birmingham's innovation ecosystem, we are excited to establish our headquarters at the respected Innovation Depot,” said Cable. “Moving to Birmingham aligns with our vision to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the thriving tech community here.”

“We want to further expand our commitment to growth, create new jobs and promote economic development in the region,” she said.

Teasha Cable is co-founder of CModel, a technology company that is moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Birmingham. (Post)

Growth plans

According to the Alabama Department of Commerce, the company chose the Magic City in Alabama rather than its hometown in California or other cities.

The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) estimates that the economic impact of CModel's growth plans in Alabama will be $4.1 million over a 20-year period.

In addition to the Department of Commerce and BBA, AIDT, Alabama's premier workforce development agency, also supports the project and provides services to CModel.

The project is also supported by the City of Birmingham, Jefferson County, Birmingham Bound, an initiative to promote the growth of the city's technology ecosystem, and the Alabama Futures Fund (AFF), a seed-stage venture capital fund focused on promoting and expanding entrepreneurial activity and economic development in the state.

Matt Hottle, partner at Redhawk Advisory and investment manager at AFF, said CModel is a startup that can “make a real difference” for its clients. AFF had previously announced it had invested in the company.

“Augmented intelligence platforms like CORA are typically financially prohibitive for mid-sized companies,” Hottle said in a statement. “Combining the latest AI and machine learning technology with model simulations to help companies make better decisions faster is a game changer.”

The Birmingham technology incubator “Innovation Depot” will be the new home base for the San Francisco-based technology startup CModel Data. (Article)

Local impacts

Officials in Jefferson County are optimistic about CModel's growth potential among Birmingham's growing list of technology startups.

“We are thrilled that CModel is making Birmingham its home,” said Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “They join a growing list of companies in our city's emerging technology hub where world-changing innovations are being created. The creation of 80 jobs is a huge win for us.”

“I am grateful that CModel recognizes the value of investing in Birmingham. We welcome them to their new home and look forward to pursuing their vision to improve business efficiency.”

With the strong growth of homegrown technology companies in Birmingham, Jefferson County Commissioner Mike Bolin said the region's efforts to attract new technology-focused companies and talent are bearing fruit.

“CModel Data Inc. will be a wonderful addition to this community with its AI-powered decision intelligence engine,” said Bolin. “The 80 new jobs this company will bring to our area will provide excellent opportunities for a number of local families, and Jefferson County looks forward to working with CModel as they move to Jefferson County.”

BBA President and CEO Steve Ammons said the announcement of CModel's move underscores the organization's commitment to growing the tech scene in the greater Birmingham area.

“This innovative company will not only create 80 new jobs, but will also enrich our ecosystem with its cutting-edge technology,” said Ammons. “We are excited to welcome CModel to the Greater Birmingham region and support them on their journey to significantly increase business efficiency and economic development.”

This story originally appeared on the Alabama Department of Commerce's Made in Alabama website.