A Bengaluru and San Francisco startup called Aina has secured $5.5 million in funding to develop hardware that actively directs AI agents rather than simply recording conversations.
The round was led by Redstart Labs and 360 ONE with backing from several prominent investors, including newly appointed WhatsApp head Kunal Shah.
The Shift from Passive Recording to Active AI Control
Aina was founded by Apoorv Shankar, who previously served as Vice President of Hardware at Ultrahuman after his earlier company LazyCo was acquired by the smart ring maker.
Shankar left Ultrahuman last year to pursue better ways for people to interact with emerging AI systems after feeling disappointed by initial products like the Rabbit device and Humane Pin.
The company's first product is a compact three-key keypad named Dune that uses context awareness to trigger shortcuts, control meeting microphones and cameras, or run automated scripts.
Earlier prototypes called Radiance and Shift focused on video call management and single-tap agent activation, but user feedback led the team to prioritize the more versatile keypad design.
How These Devices Could Transform Daily Productivity and Privacy
Unlike many competing wearables that constantly listen and store data, Aina devices emphasize action by using existing phone and laptop context to invoke workflows without adding new surveillance layers.
This approach may appeal to knowledge workers seeking to automate repetitive tasks in AI coding tools or virtual meetings while maintaining greater control over their personal information.
As major players like OpenAI experiment with custom keypads and smart speakers, the market is seeing rapid experimentation in form factors that move beyond passive capture.
For ordinary users, these tools could simplify complex software interactions, making advanced AI features accessible without deep technical knowledge or constant screen attention.
Looking ahead, Aina plans to test its next device with select users soon, and the lessons from current prototypes will shape a broader lineup aimed at real-world automation needs.
Andrew Lee
