Aaru, a fast-growing startup that uses AI to simulate human behavior and deliver near-instant consumer research, has secured a Series A round led by Redpoint Ventures, according to three people familiar with the deal. The raise stands out not only for its scale but also for its unconventional valuation structure, which included multiple tiers. While some investors purchased equity at a $1 billion valuation, others participated at a lower valuation, resulting in a blended figure below that mark. Although atypical in traditional venture capital, multi-tier pricing is becoming increasingly common among high-demand AI startups, offering companies the ability to report a strong headline valuation while granting select investors more favorable terms.
Neither Aaru nor Redpoint Ventures responded to requests for comment on the funding. Though the exact round size remains undisclosed, one source said the raise exceeds $50 million, while another noted that the company is expanding rapidly but currently generates less than $10 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR).
Founded in March 2024 by Cameron Fink, Ned Koh, and John Kessler, Aaru has quickly captured attention for its AI-driven approach to market research. The startup’s prediction engine builds thousands of AI agents that mimic human decision-making using both public and proprietary data. By simulating how people across various demographics and regions might react to upcoming events, Aaru positions itself as a faster and more dynamic alternative to traditional methods such as surveys and focus groups.
The company has already partnered with major enterprise clients including Accenture, EY, Interpublic Group, and political organizations. Its technology gained further validation last year when Aaru AI’s polling methodology accurately predicted the outcome of the New York Democratic primary, according to Semafor.
Aaru is part of a broader wave of startups applying AI to behavioral prediction and market insights. It competes with other social-simulation companies like CulturePulse and Simile, as well as firms using AI to conduct consumer preference research, such as Listen Labs, Keplar, and Outset.
Before its latest raise, Aaru secured pre-seed and seed funding from backers including A*, Abstract Ventures, General Catalyst, Accenture Ventures, and Z Fellows, according to individuals familiar with the deal and PitchBook data. The new capital is expected to accelerate product development and expand the company’s footprint in enterprise research and political forecasting.
