Google vet raises $8M for Continua to bring AI agents to group chats

In a bold move earlier this year, David Petrou, a veteran engineer known for his pivotal roles in Google Goggles and Google Glass, decided to leave his 17-year tenure at Google to embark on a new venture. Recognizing the rapid pace of technological advancements, Petrou expressed a desire to explore innovative ideas within a startup environment. His vision materialized into Continua, a company aimed at enhancing group chat experiences through the integration of AI agents on platforms like SMS, iMessage, and Discord. On Tuesday, Continua announced a successful $8 million seed funding round, led by GV, with participation from Bessemer Ventures Partners and several angel investors. Petrou identified a common behavior among users who interact with AI tools like ChatGPT: they often transfer insights gained from these tools into their group conversations. “Imagine planning a trip or deciding on dinner—an AI can facilitate these discussions seamlessly,” he explained. Continua's AI agents are designed to alleviate the typical chaos of group chats by interjecting with relevant information when necessary. As discussions unfold, the AI can manage tasks such as setting reminders, initiating polls, and even generating Google documents with checklists. If users forget specific details like meeting times or locations, they can simply message Continua for assistance in a private chat. While the concept of applying AI to group interactions might seem straightforward, Petrou emphasizes the technical complexities involved. Most AI models are tailored for one-on-one interactions, so Continua had to adapt its technology to navigate the nuanced dynamics of group conversations. Members of a group chat don't require the AI to respond to every message; instead, it needs to exhibit social intelligence. “We had to reconfigure the AI’s understanding to allow it to blend naturally into conversations,” he noted. Users can easily begin using Continua by adding its phone number to group SMS threads or its username to Discord chats. Although competitors like Meta and the startup Hey Umai are also developing AI solutions for conversations, Petrou asserts that Continua is uniquely positioned for managing group interactions. Erik Nordlander, a general partner at GV, was quick to invest in Petrou, even before Continua's concept was fully fleshed out. He praised Petrou as a brilliant engineer with a long-standing background in AI technology. With diverse potential revenue streams, including assistance with event planning and trip bookings, Continua appears poised for a robust future in the AI landscape.