Fabian Kamberi, CEO and co-founder of Born—a Berlin-based AI gaming startup—believes that most AI companions on the market today are exploitative and encourage isolation. He argues that these AI products promote one-on-one interactions that ultimately worsen the loneliness epidemic rather than offering fun, meaningful ways to enhance users’ lives. “It feels like it fuels the loneliness epidemic, instead of making it more fun and allowing users to make their lives better,” Kamberi stated.

Redefining the Future of AI Companions

According to Kamberi, the next generation of AI companions should focus on shared experiences that strengthen bonds in the real world. Rather than creating dependencies on virtual interactions, these AI tools should help users build meaningful connections with others.

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Raising a Virtual Pet Together

Born’s flagship product, the Pengu app, is designed around this philosophy. It offers users the opportunity to raise, play minigames with, and even co-parent a virtual pet named Pengu. Drawing inspiration from classics like Tamagotchi and Neopets, Pengu stands out by requiring collaboration with another person—be it a friend or a romantic partner. This approach ensures that the AI experience is not solitary but social.

A Freemium Model 

The Pengu app is available as a freemium product, where users can access basic features for free and pay for premium options through a Pengu Pass subscription. The app has already amassed more than 15 million users globally, although Born has not revealed how many are paying subscribers—an important detail for any company relying on subscription-based revenue.

Strengthening Real-Life Relationships

The underlying idea of Pengu is that the shared responsibility of caring for the pet encourages users to engage not only with the AI character but also with their real-life connections. This socially driven interaction creates a new way for users to bond and collaborate.

Expanding the Social AI Experience

Looking ahead, Born plans to introduce new characters to the Pengu app and expand its offerings with another social AI product aimed at younger users. This move aligns with Kamberi’s belief that AI should enhance entertainment while promoting human connection.

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Investor Confidence and Funding Growth

Born’s innovative approach to social AI has drawn considerable investor interest. The startup, which was previously known as Slay, recently closed a $15 million Series A funding round, bringing its total investment to $25 million. Notable investors include Accel, Tencent, and Laton Ventures.

With its focus on transforming AI interactions from isolating experiences into collaborative, relationship-building opportunities, Born is setting a new standard for how technology can support emotional well-being and human connection.