Born Raises $15 Million to Build the Future of Digital Life through AI Friends

Born, a Berlin-based AI gaming and consumer app startup, led by Jannis Ringwald, Fabian Kamberi, Stefan Quernhorst, and Baran Yildirim, has raised $15 million in Series A funding from Accel alongside Tencent and Laton Ventures. Born is backed by investors such as Supercell Co-Founder Ilkka Paananen, King Co-Founder Riccardo Zacconi, former Adobe CPO and A24 partner Scott Belsky, and The Chainsmokers’s Alexander Pall. The funding will fast-track Born’s product roadmap, expand its team with top consumer AI talent, open a New York office, scale new Pengu characters, and launch a new social AI product, gaining traction in stealth.

Born builds AI companions designed to feel natural, joyful, and lasting—AI friends that offer fun, play, and connection at life’s most meaningful moments.

Born is redefining consumer AI with virtual friends that feel alive, socially engaging, and emotionally resonant. Its flagship character Pengu has reached 15M+ users, making it the leading AI character app in the US. Backed by $25M, Born is building the next generation of AI companions that grow and connect like real friends.