Berlin-based AI gaming startup Born has raised $15 million in Series A funding to expand its vision of AI companions that foster real-world connections rather than isolate users. The round, led by Accel with participation from Tencent and Laton Ventures, brings Born’s total funding to $25 million.
CEO and co-founder Fabian Kamberi argues that most AI companions today are exploitative, designed for one-to-one chatbot relationships that deepen loneliness. Born’s approach instead centers on shared experiences, blending AI with social play. Its flagship product, Pengu, is a generative AI-powered virtual pet reminiscent of Tamagotchi or Neopets. Unlike traditional digital pets, Pengu requires collaboration: users co-parent, play mini-games, and nurture their pet together, turning it into a shared project that strengthens bonds between friends or partners.
The app has surpassed 15 million users globally and offers a freemium model with a Pengu Pass subscription, though Born has yet to disclose paying customer numbers. Building on this traction, the startup plans to introduce new AI characters to Pengu and launch another social AI product for users aged 16–21, designed to feel like culturally relevant friends that can share TikToks, Reels, and other media.
Born is also opening a New York office later this year, led by head of finance Enrico Dal Re, to focus on marketing and AI research. Part of that research involves enhancing its character engine, enabling AI companions to develop consistent personalities, remember interactions, and evolve with users.
Kamberi believes this model will generate network effects as users share their AI creations across social platforms. “AI companions should be more engaging than just logging in and texting a bot.”
For investors, Born represents a new consumer social category built around emotionally intelligent AI
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