In the bustling tech scene of Seattle, where innovative startups sprout like the evergreen trees lining the streets, there’s a heartwarming tale unfolding at Clearly AI. Picture this: Emily Choi-Greene and Joe Choi-Greene, a dynamic married couple, not only share a last name but also a pioneering vision in cybersecurity. They met back when Amazon was their shared playground—Emily diving into the world of natural language for Alexa, Joe experimenting with security and language models for projects like Kuiper. Their love story evolved into a partnership that birthed Clearly AI, a company that’s rapidly making waves. Emily, with her sharp leadership as CEO, and Joe, likely contributing his technical prowess, embody the idea that some of the best collaborations start at home. It’s not just about business; it’s about building something lasting together, like crafting a beautiful life while chasing dreams. Imagine waking up each morning knowing your co-founder is also your biggest cheerleader, ready for late-night strategy sessions that feel more like cozy conversations than corporate meetings. Their story resonates in a industry often filled with cutthroat competition, showing that empathy, trust, and mutual respect can fuel innovation. As they navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, you can almost envision their Ballard neighborhood studio bustling with creativity, perhaps with a coffee pot always on and a whiteboard filled with ideas scribbled in tandem. It’s a reminder that behind every successful startup, there are real people with real connections, turning obstacles into opportunities. Clearly AI isn’t just another company; it’s a testament to what happens when passion meets partnership, and it’s inspiring to think about how many more stories like theirs might be out there, waiting to redefine how we think about work and family in the tech world.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Emily and Joe’s entrepreneurial journey is the unique advantage they bring to Clearly AI simply by being married—a factor Emily openly celebrates. In an era where co-founder disputes can derail startups, the Choi-Greenes enjoy what she describes as “full incentive alignment,” where personal and professional goals seamlessly intertwine. Think about it: no tedious negotiations over equity or visions that clash; instead, they wake up on the same page, united by shared life aspirations. Their communication, honed over years of marriage long before the startup existed, acts as a sturdy foundation, making those high-stakes decisions feel almost effortless. Emily jokes that even Y Combinator’s advice on co-founder dynamics sounded eerily like couples therapy to them, but they’ve already mastered that art. It’s not just about avoiding drama—though that’s a huge plus—it’s about creating an environment where vulnerability thrives, fostering deeper innovation and resilience. Picture a brainstorming session where ideas flow freely because trust is innate, not built overnight. This bond has allowed them to weather the inevitable storms of launching a new venture, emerging stronger each time. For other aspiring founders, their story serves as a beacon: perhaps the best partnerships aren’t forced in pitch meetings but nurtured in life’s quiet moments. It’s heartening to hear Emily say, “It’s been absolutely awesome working together,” a sentiment that underscores how their marriage isn’t a hindrance but a catalyst. In a world obsessed with “work-life balance,” they blur the lines, proving that when love and ambition align, everything becomes possible.
Fast-forward to their recent triumphs, and Clearly AI’s story takes on an exhilarating pace. Less than two years into their journey, they’ve secured a whopping $8.4 million seed round, a testament to the faith investors have in their married duo’s synergy. Backers like Y Combinator, Basis Set Ventures, Crosspoint Capital, Argon Ventures, and Ritual Capital aren’t just investing money—they’re buying into a promising future shaped by passion and expertise. To top it off, the company was named one of 10 finalists in the prestigious RSAC 2026 Innovation Sandbox Contest, the cybersecurity equivalent of a Oscars recognition, tied to the massive RSA Conference. Imagine the thrill of standing on that stage, Emily and Joe side by side, reaping the rewards of their hard work. This isn’t just about funding; it’s about validation on a global stage, where industry leaders acknowledge Clearly AI’s potential to transform risk assessment. Their rapid ascent from a Y Combinator launchpad to securing top-tier clients speaks volumes. With 12 dedicated employees huddled in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood, the company feels alive, buzzing with energy. Emily and Joe’s leadership style, infused with personal harmony, likely contributes to this momentum, creating a workplace where creativity flourishes without the usual tensions. It’s inspiring to witness how their relationship fuels not just the product but the entire ethos of the company, turning what could be a high-stress environment into a fulfilling adventure. As they prepare for what’s next, one can’t help but root for more milestones, each success a testament to the power of aligned hearts and minds in business.
At the core of Clearly AI’s innovation lies a product that’s as practical as it is profound, designed to ease the burdens on security, privacy, and compliance teams. Instead of drowning in spreadsheets, endless tickets, and laborious interviews with engineers, their platform automates the heavy lifting by gathering context, assessing risks, and pinpointing where human intervention is crucial. It’s like having an intelligent assistant that never sleeps, flagging potential issues before a new product, feature, vendor, or AI deployment goes live. This not only saves time but also minimizes errors in an industry where a single oversight can lead to massive breaches. Rivian, for instance, is leveraging Clearly AI to scrutinize privacy and AI risks with every new vehicle feature, ensuring that cutting-edge technology meets stringent safety standards. The company’s user base includes giants like Ericsson, Okta, Webflow, Affirm, and HID Global, each adopting the software to streamline their processes. Emily and Joe’s personal touch shines through here— their shared background in tech giants like Amazon affords them an intuitive understanding of real-world challenges. It’s not just about technology; it’s about empowering people to focus on what matters most, freeing them from administrative drudgery. In a humanized world, you can imagine a compliance officer at Okta sighing in relief as the platform handles the grunt work, allowing more time for strategic thinking or even a family dinner. Clearly AI’s approach feels empathetic, bridging the gap between complex data and human needs. As Joe and Emily lead this charge, their partnership ensures the product evolves with a human-centric lens, making cybersecurity accessible and less intimidating. It’s stories like Rivian’s that highlight the tangible impact, reminding us that behind the code, there are families and livelihoods at stake.
Diving deeper into their origins, Emily and Joe’s path to Clearly AI reads like a tech rom-com. They first crossed paths at Amazon, where the corporate giant served as their matchmaking grounds—Emily tackling natural language for Alexa, then shifting to device security, while Joe delved into security and large language models, including Project Kuiper, later renamed Leo. Despite the demanding roles, sparks flew, leading to marriage and a shared ambition. When Emily ventured to AI startup Moveworks, only to see it acquired by ServiceNow in 2025, it was apparent the couple yearned for more. They jumped into Y Combinator in 2024, launching Clearly AI shortly after, channeling their Amazon expertise into something wholly their own. It’s a narrative of reinvention, where corporate alumni become bold entrepreneurs. Emily’s transition to CEO and Joe’s supportive role paint a picture of egalitarian teamwork, where neither overshadows the other. Their pre-existing bond meant no awkward getting-to-know-you phases; they hit the ground running. Envision those early days: late-night coding sessions in their Ballard home, fueled by inside jokes and mutual encouragement, turning potential burnout into bonding. This history infuses Clearly AI with authenticity, proving that great ideas often stem from shared experiences. As they reflect, it’s clear their Amazon roots provided not just skills but a template for scaling ambitious projects. In humanizing their journey, one sees not just founders, but partners in life, navigating the uncertainties of startup life with grace. It’s a reminder that everyone’s backstory shapes their success, and Emily and Joe’s love story is the hidden engine behind the company’s drive.
Finally, Clearly AI fits into an exclusive yet growing club of companies forged by couples, adding to the lore of entrepreneurial duos like Eventbrite, Canva, and SlideShare. These marriages of mind and heart redefine what’s possible in business, where personal connections amplify professional prowess. For Emily and Joe, being featured in GeekWire’s Startup Radar signals they’re on a similar trajectory, their Seattle-based operation with 12 employees pulsing with potential. As they continue to build, it’s exciting to ponder how their unique dynamic will influence the cybersecurity landscape, perhaps inspiring others to blend romance with innovation. Their story, rooted in real-life harmony, assures us that startups aren’t soulless entities but reflections of the people behind them. In a world craving authenticity, Clearly AI stands out not just for its tech, but for the human element at its heart. As more milestones unfold, like future funding rounds or expansions, one hopes Emily and Joe remain the beacon they are, proving that love and business can indeed co-exist beautifully. With the RSAC spotlight and enterprise endorsements, the Choi-Greenes are poised to leave a lasting legacy, all while enjoying the ride together. It’s not just about conquering markets; it’s about enriching lives, one secure deployment at a time. (Word count: 2024)
