CloudTalk

Tag: early-stage

  • Eternos’ Pivot: AI That Sounds Like You, $10.3M Funding

    So, Eternos. Remember them? They were the immortality startup, right? Well, it seems things have shifted a bit. Now, they’re pivoting, moving away from, you know, the whole ‘eternal life’ thing. Instead, they’re focusing on something a bit more… personal. A personal AI that’s designed to sound like you.

    It’s a pretty big change, you could say. From trying to beat death to, well, creating a digital you. I guess it makes sense, in a way. The dream of immortality is huge, but maybe a digital echo is a more… achievable first step?

    Notably, the company, now called Uare.ai, just snagged $10.3 million in seed funding. Mayfield and Boldstart Ventures led the round, as per the TechCrunch report. That’s a decent chunk of change, and it shows there’s still a lot of investor interest in this space, even if the focus has changed.

    The shift is interesting, though. Back in the day, the idea of immortality startups was all the rage. Now, it seems like the focus is on creating something… more immediate. Something that can be used, interacted with, right now. This ‘personal AI’ angle feels very… 2025, doesn’t it?

    I wonder how it works, exactly. Will it be like a super-advanced chatbot? Or something more? Will it mimic your voice, your mannerisms, your… soul? That’s the big question, I think. How do you capture a person in an AI?

    The article doesn’t say much about the ‘how,’ just the ‘what’ and the ‘who.’ Uare.ai, backed by some serious funding, is now firmly in the personal AI game. The tags mention AI, funding, and the startup, of course. Those are the basics. But the real story is in the shift, the pivot.

    Earlier, the goal was eternal life. Now? It seems they’re aiming for something a bit closer to home. Something that, in a way, feels more… human. You could say it’s a reflection of where the tech industry is moving. It’s definitely a sign of the times.

    The funding itself is a signal. Boldstart Ventures and Mayfield saw something in this new direction. They saw potential in a personal AI, in a digital you. It makes you wonder what they know that we don’t, right? What’s the killer app for a digital self? What will people *do* with it?

    And it’s not just about the tech. It’s about what we value. What we want to preserve. It’s probably a bit of both. Maybe it’s about legacy. About leaving something behind. Or maybe it’s just about having someone to talk to, even when you’re not around.

    Still. It’s a fascinating pivot. From trying to conquer death to trying to… replicate life. In a way, it’s a more humble goal. But maybe, just maybe, it’s also a more profound one.

    For now, Uare.ai is building its future, one seed round at a time. And the rest of us? Well, we wait and see what a digital ‘us’ looks like.

  • Planning Ahead: How Founders Can Prep for Late-Stage Funding

    Planning Ahead: How Founders Can Prep for Late-Stage Funding

    It’s funny, isn’t it? How much of the startup game is about looking ahead. The article I read today, from TechCrunch, really drove that home. It’s all about late-stage fundraises, and how founders can, and really should, start preparing from day one. Seems obvious, but it’s easy to get caught up in the weeds, you know?

    The core idea? Start building those relationships *now*. I mean, if you’re a startup, you probably have a million things on your plate. But the piece really emphasizes that forging connections with late-stage investors early on is crucial. It’s like planting seeds in a garden. You don’t wait until the harvest to start, right?

    Notably, the piece doesn’t just say ‘network.’ It’s more nuanced. It’s about understanding what late-stage investors look for. They’re not just throwing money around; they want to see a clear path to returns. So, it’s not just about knowing names; it’s about understanding their investment theses, their portfolios, what they value. That takes time, it takes research, and it takes… well, it takes the kind of foresight that separates the good founders from the great.

    And it makes sense when you think about it. Late-stage investors are, by definition, looking at more mature companies. They want to see traction, revenue, a solid business model. They’re not taking big risks, so your groundwork has to be rock solid. This means having a clear narrative, a compelling story that resonates with *their* priorities.

    Earlier this week, I was talking to a friend who is a founder. He’s in the thick of it – early stage, trying to get off the ground. He was so focused on the immediate, on getting that initial seed round. And, you know, that’s understandable. But the TechCrunch article kind of nudged me to think: what if he also started, in a small way, to build those relationships for the future? Not in a pushy, desperate way, but in a smart, strategic way.

    It’s not just about the money, either. The article kind of implies that the right investors bring more than just capital. They bring experience, connections of their own, and a deeper understanding of the market. They can help you navigate the tricky waters of scaling up. You get that, and you’re set.

    Still. It’s a balancing act, right? You’re building a company, dealing with the daily grind, and then you have to think about the *future* future. But, in a way, it’s also about changing your mindset. It’s about seeing the whole field, not just the immediate patch in front of you.

    The article also touched on the idea of transparency. Late-stage investors want to see the whole picture. They want to understand the risks, the challenges, the potential roadblocks. So, it’s about being upfront, honest, and building trust. You’re not just selling a dream; you’re building a partnership.

    And, you know, I think that’s the real takeaway. It’s not just about getting the funding. It’s about building a solid foundation, a sustainable business, and a relationship built on mutual respect. It’s a long game, and the best players are always thinking a few steps ahead.