Altera Raises $9 Million to Create Interactive AI Digital Humans
Palo Alto's Altera has secured $9 million in funding to advance its AI technology aimed at developing believable digital humans. Founded in December 2023, the company has raised a remarkable $11.1 million in just five months.
This funding round, led by Patron and First Spark Ventures, includes notable investors such as A16z Speedrun, gaming industry veteran Mitch Lasky, and Valorant co-creator Stephen Lim, along with contributions from Supercell executive Greg Harper, Duolingo's Bob Meese, and Vertex Pharma co-founder Rich Aldrich.
CEO Robert Yang, a computational neuroscientist and former MIT professor, emphasizes the potential for AI to model complex human interactions. “For my whole adult life, I’ve been building computer models of the brain,” Yang stated. “My aim is to create AI agents that understand human emotions and can interact meaningfully.”
With a focus on creating AI with empathy and companionship, Altera's goal is to build digital humans capable of forming real relationships. “The future of AI won’t need constant prompts for interaction; we envision agents that can truly engage with us over time,” Yang explained. The team recently showcased an AI agent playing Minecraft, effectively simulating the experience of interacting with a human friend. This advancement highlights the transformative potential of Altera's technology across various sectors.
The company has already achieved benchmarks set by Nvidia Research Lab, further demonstrating its innovative capabilities. Altera's approach transcends traditional AI applications, as Yang notes, "We aim to develop digital companions that enrich our lives, just like friends do."
Investors are eager to support Altera's mission. Brian Cho, cofounder of Patron, remarked, “We are thrilled to back a startup that could redefine human-computer interaction through extraordinary AI technology.”
As outlined in Accenture's 2024 Trends Report, the evolution of AI agents from simple assistants to autonomous decision-makers signifies a massive opportunity. Aaron Sisto, partner at First Spark Ventures, added, “Today’s AI lacks essential qualities such as empathy and personal goals. Altera is addressing these gaps.”
The founding team, which includes CSO Andrew Ahn and CTO Shuying Luo, shut down their research lab at MIT to focus on Altera. Yang expressed, “We were inspired to translate cutting-edge research directly into product development — a rare move in the AI landscape.”
Altera is set to redefine digital human companionship and interaction, with a mission to create AI that genuinely cares about human experiences. Yang aims for AI to foster connections similar to the loyalty of a pet to its owner: “We want them to have life experiences and social drives.”
The choice of gaming, particularly through platforms like Minecraft, is strategic. "Games allow us to create sophisticated agents that enrich user experiences," Yang said. By integrating AI companions into gaming, Altera hopes to transform solitary gameplay into engaging friendships.
With a small team of nine, Altera is dedicated to developing artificial life enriched with fundamental human qualities. “Digital human beings should enhance, not replace, real human interactions,” Yang concluded.
Altera's vision stands apart, focusing on AI behavior rather than mere appearances. "While others might prioritize realism, we aim for genuine emotional interaction," Yang affirmed. As Altera champions the next frontier of AI companionship, the future of human-computer communication looks promising.
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