How One Immigrant Built an AI App to Solve Relocation Challenges
Immigrating to a new country presents countless hurdles—from navigating housing and healthcare to avoiding scams. Without local connections, many immigrants struggle to find reliable resources. After facing exploitation firsthand, one founder channeled her experience into creating an AI-powered solution designed specifically for immigrants.
From Personal Struggle to Innovative Solution
Jane Fisher, CEO and co-founder of Imii, grew up in Japan as part of an immigrant family from the Soviet Union. Her father, despite being an accomplished academic, faced discrimination simply because of his immigrant status. Fisher’s own relocation experiences—both assisted and solo—inspired her to build a tool that could ease the transition for others.
“I created Imii because I know the struggles of immigration firsthand,” Fisher told TechCrunch. “Even moving to the U.K., where I spoke the language, took a massive toll on my mental health. I was scammed along the way too.”
How Imii Works: AI-Powered Guidance for Immigrants
Imii acts as a personalized AI assistant, offering tailored advice on critical needs like housing, banking, and healthcare. Key features include:
- Personalized onboarding: Users answer a few questions to receive customized recommendations.
- Multilingual support: Connects immigrants with trusted local providers who speak their language.
- Human backup: If the AI can’t resolve a query, users can contact Imii’s team directly.
Currently powered by ChatGPT 4.0, the startup plans to refine its AI to sound more empathetic and human-like.
The Team Behind the Vision
Fisher’s co-founder, Alexandra Miltsin, brings expertise from her roles at Zoopla and Yelp, where she developed AI-driven products. Together, they’re focused on creating a tool that prioritizes the immigrant experience over corporate efficiency.
“We care about immigrants more than creating another relocation tech product for big companies,” Fisher emphasized. “That’s why we started with a lean, impact-focused B2C model.”
The Competitive Landscape
While other players like Matutto (B2C) and Benivo (B2B) operate in the relocation space, Fisher believes Imii stands out by centering immigrant needs. The startup also differentiates itself by:
- Offering freemium access for individuals
- Providing B2B solutions for SMEs and NGOs (e.g., HR integration for international hires)
- Partnering with service providers via affiliate commissions
The Growing Need for Relocation Tech
Global migration is rising, with 281 million international migrants worldwide (3.6% of the population, per the UN). Climate change could displace another 216 million by 2050 (World Bank), amplifying demand for solutions like Imii.
What’s Next for Imii?
The startup aims to expand beyond AI-generated advice, offering services like credit-building and legal assistance. For now, it’s proving that technology—when designed with empathy—can transform one of life’s most daunting transitions.
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