Kenley, a San Francisco–based AI workspace for consulting firms, is reshaping how consultants work. Founded in 2024 and part of Y Combinator’s Summer 2024 batch, the platform helps firms automate critical tasks like drafting proposal decks, conducting due diligence, and delivering client-ready outputs.
By unifying scattered data sources into a knowledge graph and enabling AI-powered synthesis, Kenley addresses one of consulting’s biggest pain points: siloed information. As of September 2025, the company has gone live with partner firms, where consultants have already built hundreds of custom AI agents to speed up projects while preserving accuracy and compliance.
From Chatbots to Co-Workers
Kenley positions itself at the forefront of AI’s shift in professional services—from chatbots to autonomous co-workers. Its flagship product, WorkStreams, connects firm expertise to deliverables. Through this, consultants can draft slides, summarize interviews, and build models with outputs already 80% client-ready.
Custom agents allow consultants to codify workflows in natural language. Whether it’s building a TAM model, running churn analysis, or setting up a budgeting framework, Kenley’s AI agents execute with the firm’s standards and tools in mind. This approach enhances speed and quality while protecting institutional knowledge.
Enterprise-Grade Security at the Core
Unlike many AI tools, Kenley emphasizes trust and security. It offers role-based permissions, data isolation, and deployment flexibility—cloud or on-premises. The platform is aligned with GDPR, SOC II (in observation), and ISO 27001 (in progress). Importantly, no firm data is used for external training, addressing concerns over sensitive client information.
This security-first posture makes Kenley particularly appealing to consulting firms handling confidential projects in industries like finance, healthcare, and government.
Workflow Examples Driving Adoption
Kenley’s capabilities are reflected in real use cases. Consulting teams have built task templates for rapid commercial diligence, store footprint optimization, market sizing models, and revenue management strategies. These tasks, usually taking weeks, are now completed in hours.
By lowering the friction of repetitive work, Kenley allows consultants to focus on higher-value insights and client strategy. This is why adoption has been swift across analysts, associates, and even partners.
Leadership with Consulting DNA
The company is led by Bolu Ben-Adeola (CEO), who previously worked on machine learning for fixed-income markets at Bloomberg and problem-solving at Palantir, and Noah Öhrner (CTO), a Cambridge graduate and former Palantir tech lead.
Öhrner has publicly argued that firms integrating AI into workflows will redefine speed and trust in consulting. His vision positions Kenley as not just a tool, but a strategic partner in how firms deliver excellence at scale.
Investor Backing and Market Context
Kenley has raised $500K from Pioneer Fund, Wave Ventures, and Y Combinator. While small in funding compared to major AI players, its niche focus on consulting gives it an edge in a growing market.
Industry analysts note that AI adoption in consulting is accelerating. Reports predict that generative AI will become central within five years, reducing project delivery times by half. Kenley’s early traction shows it may be well-positioned to capture this wave.
Looking Ahead
Since launching in May 2025, Kenley has emphasized client impact, launching its “Advising the Advisors” series and supporting firms with education on AI adoption. Its rapid expansion of custom agents demonstrates that AI is no longer a future trend but an active co-worker in consulting firms.
As Öhrner puts it, “2025 is the year AI goes from chatbots to agents. Consulting will never be the same again.”
