Born
Overview
Born is a Berlin-based AI gaming startup founded with the aim to revolutionize virtual pet companionship through AI technology. Established by Fabian Kamberi, the company focuses on creating AI companions that combat loneliness by fostering social interactions and real-world relationships. As of September 2025, Born has successfully raised $25 million in funding, including a recent $15 million Series A round. The company's flagship product, Pengu, exemplifies its unique approach by encouraging shared experiences with its virtual pets.
Recent Developments
- September 2025: Born raised $15 million in a Series A funding round, bringing total funding to $25 million. Key investors include Accel, Tencent, and Laton Ventures. The funding supports the launch of new AI characters and marketing efforts in North America.
- Early 2025: Born announces plans to expand its reach by opening an office in New York aimed at boosting marketing and AI research capacities.
- 2024-2025: The company enhances its character engine to facilitate the growth of AI friends alongside users. It aims to release a new product targeted at users aged 16 to 21, emphasizing culturally relevant AI companions.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2022 |
| Headquarters | Berlin, Germany |
| Founders | Fabian Kamberi |
| Revenue | Not Disclosed |
| Profits | Not Disclosed |
| Key Investors | Accel, Tencent, Laton Ventures |
| Industry | AI Gaming, Virtual Companions |
| Number of Employees | 100+ (as of mid-2025) |
Early History
Born, initially known as Slay, was launched in 2022 by founder Fabian Kamberi. Starting as a social media app for teenagers, Slay focused on encouraging positive interactions through features like compliment sharing. The pivot to AI-powered virtual companions was driven by the founder's desire to enhance social experiences and combat isolation. Slay's transition to Born marked a significant shift towards immersive AI companions, attracting attention from high-profile investors.
Company Profile and Achievements
Born operates with a business model focused on AI-generated virtual pets and companions designed to encourage social connections. The Pengu app, its flagship product, promotes user engagement through co-parenting and mini-games, transforming traditional Tamagotchi concepts into collaborative experiences.
- 2023: Pengu reaches over 15 million global users, swiftly capturing international markets.
- 2024: Enhancements to AI models allow more realistic and memorable interactions with virtual pets, creating personalized companion experiences.
- 2025: New character launches and strategic marketing expansions position Born as a leading name in AI-driven social applications.
Current Operations and Market Position
Born leverages its unique AI technology to strengthen its presence in the virtual companion market. By infusing elements of shared human experiences into digital companionship, Born stands apart from competitors offering isolated AI interactions. Its strategic collaborations with investors and technological advancements position it to capture significant market share within the social AI space.
Conclusion
Born represents a forward-thinking player in the intersection of AI technology and social gaming. With a focus on enhancing social interactions through innovative AI companions, it holds potential as a transformative force in digital socialization. As it continues to expand its product offerings and market presence, Born is poised to make significant impacts both within and beyond its industry. As the company progresses, it remains a significant example of how AI can be harnessed to address modern social challenges and improve user experiences through technology.