AI that talks back: Character AI in the spotlight with Karandeep Anand at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

The spotlight is on artificial intelligence, sparking both fascination and debate across the globe. This October, at the Moscone West in San Francisco, Karandeep Anand, the CEO of Character.AI, will take center stage during a fireside chat at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Attendees can expect an enlightening discussion about the rapid emergence of AI companions that mimic human interaction. Anand will delve into the technological advancements that enable realistic dialogue and address the ethical dilemmas that accompany such innovations. As the conversation unfolds, he will also touch on the legal hurdles the company faces and how it navigates innovation while adhering to regulatory demands. As the leader of Character.AI, Anand is pivotal in shaping the company’s vision and its foray into new areas like video content generation, monetization strategies, and building strategic alliances. The platform boasts an impressive 20 million monthly active users globally. Before his tenure at Character.AI, Anand was instrumental at Brex, where he served as president and chief product officer, overseeing the introduction of the AI-enhanced Brex Assistant and the Empower spend management tool. His experience also includes a notable role at Meta, where he helped connect over 3 billion users and supported 200 million businesses through various platforms including Ads, Messenger, and Instagram. With 15 years at Microsoft under his belt, where he managed product development for Azure Cloud, Anand brings a wealth of experience to the discussion. This engaging session promises to provide valuable insights into the complexities of developing, scaling, and monetizing conversational AI technologies. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, or simply passionate about AI, this conversation is set to challenge your understanding of how humans and machines can interact in the future. TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 will gather over 10,000 innovators, founders, and investors from October 27 to 29 in San Francisco. Don't miss the chance to hear from one of the leading voices in AI. Register now to secure your spot and enjoy substantial savings.