Culturally Relevant AI Friends Coming to TikTok and Instagram

Fabian Kamberi, co-founder and CEO of Born, says AI should do more than provide companionship—it should help people connect. He criticizes existing AI companions for fueling loneliness and sees the future in shared digital experiences.

Born’s main product, Pengu, allows two people to co-parent a virtual pet together. With more than 15 million users, the freemium app is already popular, though paying subscriber numbers are undisclosed. The shared structure of Pengu is designed to strengthen relationships.

The company, which once operated as Slay, has raised $25 million from Accel, Tencent, and Laton Ventures. With new funding, Born plans to release additional AI characters, including a learning companion, while establishing a New York office for research and marketing.

Born is also designing a new AI tool for 16- to 21-year-olds. These culturally aware companions will mimic real friendships and share social media content. Kamberi anticipates fast adoption through viral sharing. Investors see Born as a frontrunner in socially intelligent AI.