Modern parenting is a complex balancing act, where the demands of work, family, and personal life can often feel overwhelming. Many parents, particularly mothers, juggle a seemingly endless list of responsibilities while maintaining emotional well-being. These challenges led Laura Cunningham to create Ava, a forward-looking technology company focused on easing the mental load of parenthood.
Ava, founded by Cunningham and her co-founder, Joe Alicata, in March 2025, uses agentic AI to perform real-world tasks for users. From reading emails and managing the user’s calendar to filling out forms, Ava helps reduce the overwhelming administrative and logistical burdens parents face.
Cunningham’s vision for Ava stemmed from her own experiences as a working mother of two daughters. She realized that balancing her career and motherhood affected her ability to be present for her children. Ava became her solution, a product using AI to make daily life more manageable.
The company has already made significant progress. Cunningham’s leadership has been key to Ava’s success, from building the product to securing funding during the pre-seed round in April 2025. Ava addresses a genuine, urgent problem, and Cunningham is determined to make a meaningful impact. “It’s a product that solves something real, not something frivolous,” she explains. A waitlist is available at Ava’s website.
Cunningham’s career spans over 15 years in leadership roles at organizations like the NEAR Foundation, Noodle, and KIPP Foundation. At NEAR Foundation, she led AI strategy and ecosystem development for blockchain-focused startups. Her work in education technology involved developing data-driven tools to improve learning outcomes at the New York City Department of Education. These experiences set the foundation for Ava.
Cunningham’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in history and English, with a concentration in Middle Eastern studies, from Williams College. Her leadership at Ava is influenced by her commitment to authenticity, both personally and professionally. “Being authentic is incredibly critical,” she explains. “People are gravitating toward smaller, more authentic communities where they know the people involved.”
Beyond the technology, Cunningham is focused on building a community around Ava. She offers value-added sessions with parenting experts and coaches, creating a space where parents can connect and grow. “It’s been about community building, not just products,” she says. Ava is designed to provide the tools parents need to thrive, along with a supportive company to help make it happen.
As Ava moves through its alpha and beta phases, Cunningham is dedicated to expanding its reach. With a public launch planned for 2026, she envisions Ava becoming a key player in AI-powered solutions for parents. “Innovation, authenticity and community are essential to success,” Cunningham says, highlighting her core beliefs in both her company and her career.
Outside of her professional work, Cunningham is a devoted mother and advocate for community building. She understands the value of being present for her family, which shapes the foundation of Ava. The company was created to help other parents manage the same challenges she has faced.
Looking ahead, Cunningham is committed to growing Ava into a trusted partner for parents. With her focus on innovation and community, she is leading the way in using technology to make life easier for those who need it most.
