When Data Meets Conversation: Unlocking the Power of Relationships with AI

By Ralph Schonenbach, Founder of Meerkat

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. Data Allegiance has not been compensated for sharing it. Our goal is to support data professionals by highlighting authentic, first-party insights.

We’ve all heard the phrase: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” But in a world overflowing with data, perhaps the better question is: Do you really know who you know?

Relationships are at the heart of every opportunity, new jobs, introductions, partnerships, and investments. Yet most people and organizations struggle to make sense of their networks. Contact lists are messy. CRMs are built for sales, not relationships. And AI? Until recently, it’s been a one-way street, smart, but isolated from the rich data that could make it truly useful.

That’s where the next evolution begins.

At Meerkat, we’re obsessed with unlocking the hidden power of relationships. We believe your network is your most underutilized asset, and with the right tools, it can become your greatest advantage.

The Magic of Combining LLMs + Real-World Data

Large Language Models (LLMs) have changed the game. You can ask them anything, and they’ll deliver a surprisingly helpful response. But ask them about your contacts, your organization’s alumni, or which donor is most likely to engage with your next campaign,and they come up short.

Why? Because LLMs don’t have your data.

Now imagine plugging structured, professional-grade datasets into that same AI engine. You’ve got context. You’ve got clarity. And suddenly, you’re not just having a conversation, you’re getting answers that move you forward.

This is where the real magic happens.

• A university can quickly map alumni across industries and geographies to target the right people for a capital campaign.

• A non-profit can segment its donor base based on professional milestones, passions, or corporate affiliations to make more relevant asks.

• A startup can merge its founding team’s networks to reveal warm paths to investors, customers, and strategic partners, no spreadsheet required.

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What used to take days of research or expensive tools can now start with a simple question: “Who in our network can help us raise Series A?” or “Which alumni work at companies hiring software engineers?”

It All Starts with a Conversation

What makes Meerkat different is how naturally it all begins. We don’t believe data should require training or dashboards. We believe it should talk back.

That’s why we’ve built Meerkat to feel like a conversation, not a tool. You ask. It answers. You explore. It guides. It’s like having a network-savvy advisor in your pocket, powered by AI and supercharged by data.

Instead of siloed systems, we help teams combine their networks and generate shared visibility. Instead of generic outreach, we enable personalized engagement at scale. And instead of chasing leads or donors blindly, you can now see the story behind every connection and act on it.

From Invisible to Insightful

Most people don’t realize the value locked in their networks. Meerkat helps bring that value to light. We’re mapping connections that aren’t visible on LinkedIn. Surfacing insights buried in contact lists. And empowering people to have smarter conversations that lead to real outcomes.

So, whether you're an advancement officer trying to re-engage alumni, a founder looking for your next investor, or a team leader wanting to strengthen internal relationships, there’s now a smarter, more human way to do it.

And it all starts with, “Hi Meerkat...”

About the Author

Ralph Schonenbach is the Founder of Meerkat, a platform that brings intelligence, warmth, and purpose to the way we manage relationships. A lifelong entrepreneur and relationship strategist, Ralph has built ventures at the intersection of data, technology, and human connection. He’s also the author of Relationships Matter, a guide to building authentic, impactful networks in a distracted world. When he’s not working on Meerkat, you’ll find him exploring nature, reflecting on what makes people tick, or connecting dots between ideas, people, and opportunities.