James He (Artificial Societies)
Overview
James He is a prominent figure known for his contributions to artificial societies, a field that simulates human collective behavior using artificial intelligence (AI). As the co-founder of the startup Artificial Societies, He has developed sophisticated AI systems that allow businesses and organizations to test product ideas and messaging using AI-generated personas. His work bridges the gap between technology and social science, leveraging AI to predict and understand collective human behaviors.
Recent Developments
- In August 2025, Artificial Societies secured €4.5 million in seed funding, which was led by Point72 Ventures. The funding will assist in enhancing their platform's simulation capabilities and expanding the reach of their AI-based societal simulations.
- The startup, a Y Combinator alumnus, has recently launched its flagship product, AS, which allows simulations of how AI personas respond to various inputs, from advertisements to policy proposals. This product is particularly noted for its ability to predict social media content performance with high accuracy.
- Artificial Societies participated in Y Combinator’s Winter 2025 batch, further solidifying its position as a leader in AI-driven market research and audience simulation.
- The company recently finalized a funding round amounting to $5.35 million, focusing on expanding research talent and doubling distribution efforts. This includes strategic applications in policymaking and market testing using AI simulations.
- James He is also recognized for his 2024 preprint, "Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Mimic Human Collective Behaviours," which explores how AI entities can simulate complex human social dynamics.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James K. He |
| Born | 2001, Sichuan, China |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Occupation | Co-founder and CEO of Artificial Societies |
| Known For | AI-driven social simulations, Artificial Societies startup |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | B.A. Hons. in Behavioural Sciences, University of Cambridge |
Early Life and Education
James He was born in Sichuan, China, and moved abroad at the age of 14 to pursue his education in New Zealand. His academic journey led him to the University of Cambridge, where he studied behavioural sciences with a focus on data science and social dynamics. He completed his undergraduate with First Class Honours and a dissertation that was awarded a distinction. This educational background laid the foundation for his career in AI and social simulations.
Career and Notable Achievements
James He's career began with a notable stint at Yonder, a credit card startup known for its innovative lending solutions. Serving as the first data scientist at Yonder, He played a crucial role in developing machine learning systems for lending decisions.
- He co-founded Artificial Societies in late 2024, with Patrick Sharpe, moving away from traditional academia to explore the potentials of AI in simulating human societies.
- His research paper, "Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Mimic Human Collective Behaviour," delineated a novel application of large language models in simulating societal behaviors, earning significant academic citations.
Current Work and Impact
As the CEO of Artificial Societies, James He continues to lead advancements in AI simulations. His work is instrumental in providing insights into human behavior prediction, allowing businesses to test interactive scenarios through simulated audiences. Artificial Societies' technology is redefining how market research is conducted, emphasizing ethical AI use.
Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Mimic Human Collective Behaviour
James He and his team have demonstrated through research how AI chatbots can emulate collective human behavior, forming communities based on language and content similarities. This research highlights the potential of AI in social science, offering insights into community dynamics and social networks.
Conclusion
James He's contributions to artificial societies and AI-driven market research continue to have profound implications on AI's role in social sciences. His innovative approach to simulating human societies not only aids in market research but also broadens the scope of how AI can be ethically integrated into understanding human behavior. As his startup grows, the potential applications of his work are poised to shape how products and policies are tested and perceived in real-world scenarios.