AI Startup Behind William Shatner's Project Files for Bankruptcy

The innovative startup that turned William Shatner into an interactive conversational AI chatbot has filed for bankruptcy. Established in 2017, StoryFile created an advanced AI-powered platform designed to transform individuals into conversational chatbots. Co-owned by Shatner, the company voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 protection in the Southern District of New York, indicating a structured approach to address its financial challenges.

StoryFile's bankruptcy filing reveals that funds will be prioritized for unsecured creditors, emphasizing the company's commitment to generating enough value through asset liquidation or debt restructuring to meet its obligations. The firm has reported assets ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, with liabilities estimated between $1 million and $10 million. Despite raising $9.5 million in funding, the anticipated Series A round failed to materialize.

Owen Phillips, a spokesperson for StoryFile, stated that the company intends to continue operations and fulfill all commitments to its customers. “We are collaborating with our creditors and all relevant parties to navigate through bankruptcy protection swiftly, with the goal of emerging as a recapitalized, reorganized entity capable of pursuing our mission of authentic conversational video as a pioneering force in conversational AI,” Phillips explained.

StoryFile’s Conversa AI platform has found applications among Fortune 500 companies for creating conversational interfaces, showcasing its potential in diverse business contexts. The company's technology is also aimed at preserving legacies, allowing families to connect with their loved ones after they have passed.

In October 2021, Shatner was immortalized through StoryFile's technology, which involved filming him over five days as he answered various questions. The resulting interactive “Shatner-bot” remains operational, enabling users to type or speak queries, with Shatner responding as if he were present. At the time, he remarked, “I recorded this so my children’s children can get to know me — simply press record on any device, and the stories of you or your loved ones become a living record.”

Additionally, StoryFile has expanded its offerings by creating interactive chatbots for Holocaust survivors in partnership with the Illinois Holocaust Museum. Just last month, the company unveiled an engaging experience at the National WWII Museum, where visitors interacted with conversational chatbots representing veterans and home front workers, enhancing the educational experience at the exhibit.

This narrative not only highlights StoryFile's innovative technological contributions but also underscores its commitment to legacy preservation, engaging storytelling, and interactive experiences.