SuperAGI, a Palo Alto-based startup, has raised $10 million in a Series A funding round led by Newlands VC, an investment firm backed by WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum.
The company aims to develop a full-stack Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) platform based on Large Agentic Models (LAMs). The funding will support further research and the creation of middleware and software applications to enhance AI reliability across various use cases.
Newlands VC spearheaded the $10 million investment in SuperAGI, emphasizing the growing interest in AGI development. The funding round marks a significant milestone for SuperAGI, with plans to utilize the capital for ongoing research and the expansion of its software applications.
SuperAGI’s Unique Approach
The company distinguishes itself by focusing on Large Agentic Models, a progression beyond Large Language Models (LLMs). The startup addresses limitations observed in existing models like ChatGPT, especially when transitioning from content creation to actionable tasks. The aim is to make AI more reliable and effective in various real-world scenarios.
SuperAGI’s research gained traction, attracting over 20,000 developers, including professionals from Microsoft, Google, Tencent, Tesla, JP Morgan Chase, and OpenAI.
The startup’s innovative approach to AGI has garnered attention and positions it as a contender in the competitive AI landscape.
Despite a drop in investments in AI startups during Q4, Series A funding indicates continued interest from notable investors. Large tech companies like Microsoft and Google parent Alphabet have maintained their commitment to AI startups, recording substantial investments in the fourth quarter of the previous year.
Newlands VC and SuperAGI’s Partnership
Newlands VC, led by ex-Sequoia partner Michael Abramson, has been notably secretive, with limited information available about the firm. However, its investment in SuperAGI suggests a strategic focus on emerging AI technologies. SuperAGI marks Newlands VC’s entry into the AI investment landscape.
Founded in 2023, SuperAGI initially concentrated on agentic research and autonomous agent development. The startup’s first product, Contlo, targets marketing use cases, offering an all-in-one campaign and automation tool.
With over 1,000 global brands adopting Contlo, SuperAGI demonstrated the practical application of its technology.
Verk – Expanding AI in the Workplace
SuperAGI’s latest application, Verk, positions itself as an AI employee designed to perform diverse tasks, including sales, graphic design, market research, and social media management.
Verk aims to provide employers with an AI-driven workforce accessible through existing platforms, minimizing concerns related to attrition and onboarding.
The company’s commitment to open-source principles is evident through the release of its infrastructure, including LAMs, autonomous agents framework, and training datasets. By open-sourcing its developments, the startup has garnered interest from major tech companies and AI communities worldwide.
![SuperAGI - Verk](https://i0.wp.com/nosisnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image-41.png?resize=1024%2C369&ssl=1)
![SuperAGI - Verk](https://i0.wp.com/nosisnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image-41.png?resize=1024%2C369&ssl=1)
Their research and models, including SAM-7B and VEagle, have achieved recognition in the AI community. The startup collaborates with industry giants such as Microsoft, Google, Tencent, Tesla, JP Morgan Chase, and OpenAI to establish new standards and benchmarks for AI agents.
The company generates revenue through its applications, Contlo and Verk, while contributing to the open-source community. The startup adopts a unique approach by offering a middleware layer of SuperAGI agents to monetize applications while keeping core research and frameworks open-source. They aim to be among the top three global AI research companies in 2024, maintaining a commitment to open-source values. The startup envisions sustained growth, leveraging applications to drive revenues and contributing to the advancement of AGI technology.
SuperAGI’s successful Series A funding, led by Newlands VC, underscores the growing interest in AGI development. With a focus on Large Agentic Models and a commitment to open-source contributions, SuperAGI positions itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. The funding injection will fuel further research and application development, propelling the startup towards its ambitious goals in the AI sector.