Aaru, a cutting-edge startup specializing in near-instant customer research through the utilization of AI to mimic user behavior, has secured a Series A funding round spearheaded by Redpoint Ventures, as confirmed by sources close to the transaction.

The funding round showcased varying valuation tiers, with some equity acquired at a $1 billion valuation, while others were obtained at a lower valuation, resulting in a blended valuation below $1 billion. This unique approach, involving multi-tier valuations within the same round, is gaining popularity among sought-after AI startups in today’s market, allowing companies to present a higher headline valuation while offering more favorable terms to specific investors.

Despite numerous attempts to reach out, both Aaru and Redpoint Ventures have refrained from commenting on the recent development.

While the exact size of the funding round remains undisclosed, insiders suggest it exceeds $50 million. Although Aaru is experiencing rapid growth, its annual recurring revenue (ARR) currently stands at less than $10 million.

Founded in March 2024 by Cameron Fink, Ned Koh, and John Kessler, Aaru has revolutionized market research by deploying a prediction model that generates thousands of AI agents capable of emulating human behavior using a blend of public and proprietary data. By replacing traditional research methods like surveys and focus groups, Aaru’s AI agents predict how specific demographic groups or geographical regions will respond to future events.

The startup boasts an impressive list of customer partners, including renowned names like Accenture, EY, Interpublic Group, and various political campaigns. Notably, Aaru AI’s polling methodology accurately forecasted the outcome of the New York Democratic primary last year, as reported by Semafor.

Aaru faces competition from other social simulation startups like CulturePulse and Simile, as well as AI-driven companies focusing on querying human preferences such as Listen Labs, Keplar, and Outset.

According to sources familiar with the matter and PitchBook data, Aaru has successfully secured undisclosed amounts of seed and pre-seed capital from notable investors, including A*, Abstract Ventures, General Catalyst, Accenture Ventures, and Z Fellows.