In a significant advancement for personalized technology, startup Convergence has successfully raised $12 million in Pre-Seed funding to launch its innovative AI agent, Proxy. Founded in April 2024 by seasoned machine learning engineers Marvin Purtorab and Andy Toulis, the company aims to transform the way individuals and businesses approach daily tasks, from managing work responsibilities to planning vacations.
Proxy is designed to act as a personalized assistant capable of learning and adapting to users’ specific workflows and preferences. The technology empowers users by automating repetitive tasks, thus liberating them from mundane responsibilities that often hinder productivity. With a vision to democratize access to sophisticated AI solutions, Convergence promises that Proxy will be a valuable ally, whether it’s booking holidays, ordering groceries, or handling administrative duties.
Marvin Purtorab, co-founder and CEO, expressed his vision for Proxy, stating, “Imagine an agent that keeps growing and learning whenever you teach them something new. Over time, the agent will take on mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on higher-level tasks that are more impactful and enjoyable.” This innovative approach leverages a new class of AI models known as large meta-learning models (LMLM), which allow Proxy to continuously learn and retain information much like a human.
The funding round was led by Balderton Capital, alongside contributions from Salesforce Ventures and Shopify Ventures. James Wise, Partner at Balderton Capital, praised the founders’ expertise, noting, “Few people have the experience and skill that Marvin and Andy have, making them well-placed to tackle the complex technical challenges involved in developing a product like Proxy.”
As Convergence embarks on its journey, the capital raised will be pivotal in furthering the development of advanced models that empower Proxy’s capabilities. With a strong team comprised of talent from industry giants like Google DeepMind, Meta, and PolyAI, Convergence has quickly progressed from concept to product launch in just three months.
Editorial Perspective
The launch of Proxy represents a noteworthy leap in the personalization of AI technology, heralding a new era where individuals can harness the power of AI tailored specifically to their needs. In an age where efficiency and productivity are paramount, the potential for a continually learning AI assistant cannot be overstated. As workplaces evolve and the demands on employees grow, solutions like Proxy offer not only a means to enhance productivity but also a way to reclaim valuable time.
Convergence’s approach, focusing on long-term memory and continual learning, positions it ahead of many existing AI solutions that often struggle with context retention. This capability could redefine user engagement, making technology feel more intuitive and responsive. By aligning their product development with the real-world challenges faced by users, Convergence is setting itself on a path that could significantly impact both individual lifestyles and organizational dynamics.
With the beta launch of Proxy, the future looks promising for Convergence. As they gather feedback and refine their offering, the potential for expansion into various domains appears vast, paving the way for smarter, more adaptable technology that resonates with a diverse user base.
For those interested in exploring what Proxy can offer, limited spots are now available in the beta program.
If you need further assistance or have any corrections, please reach out to editor@thetimesmag.com.