Berlin-based AI gaming startup Born raised $15 million in Series A funding. Investors include Accel, Tencent, and Laton Ventures. This round brings Born's total funding to $25 million. The company develops social AI companions designed to combat loneliness.
Born's flagship product, the Pengu app, features a generative AI-powered virtual pet that users co-parent and play mini-games with. This freemium app encourages collaboration with another human, fostering shared experiences. Pengu has reached over 15 million global users.
Expanding Social AI Experiences
With the new capital, Born plans to launch additional characters for the Pengu app, including a learning companion. Furthermore, the startup will open a New York office later this year, focusing on marketing and AI research. This research aims to enhance its character engine for consistent personalities and memory.
Born is also preparing to introduce another social AI product specifically for young people aged 16 to 21. This new offering will enable users to create and interact with culturally relevant AI companions. The company primarily utilizes generative AI models, adding proprietary safety layers.
The company's vision contrasts with one-to-one chatbot models like Replika or Character.ai. Born emphasizes shared digital interactions that strengthen real-world bonds.
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Born, previously known as Slay, maintains its core principle of positive and socially engaging digital interactions. The earlier Slay app focused on compliment-based social media for teenagers. This pivot to AI companions carries forward that foundational approach.
