We are ecstatic to announce PIN.AI‘s $10 million seed round—a milestone that holds personal significance for two key reasons: supporting a fellow Columbia Business School alum and advancing a thesis we have passionately pursued for nearly a decade.  At Dispersion Capital, our commitment to decentralized technology is grounded in its potential to enhance user sovereignty and spur innovation. This philosophy guided our investment in PIN AI, inspired by a vision formulated during my tenure at Samsung Next Ventures to challenge and decentralize the technological monopolies dominated by large corporations. This thesis even led us all the way to DC to testify in one of the largest anti-competitive trials in history, DOJ vs Google. (We are finally able to publicly talk about it)

Redefining Personalized On-Device Technology

While at Samsung Next, my goal (and thesis) was to foster a technology ecosystem that supported highly personalized, on-device application search and user interaction without infringing on privacy. This vision gave way to our edge computing and blockchain thesis in 2014. It was realized through early strategic investments in startups like Branch Metrics, whose deep linking technology enabled on-device app search and navigation, mimicking the seamlessness of web browsing and bringing profound personalization directly to user devices.

The significance of on-device data processing became particularly evident during my testimony in the DOJ vs. Google case. I discussed how monopolistic practices stifled innovation in search functionalities and compromised data privacy. This experience underscored the importance of supporting platforms like PIN AI that champion user control over their data and encourage technological equity.

Core Technical Innovations of PIN AI

On-Device AI Processing: PIN AI departs from traditional cloud-dependent models by prioritizing on-device AI processing. This approach not only secures data but also leverages the processing power of modern consumer devices to reduce latency in AI responses.

• Edge AI Optimization: PIN AI optimizes its algorithms for edge computing, enhancing the functionality of AI operations on less powerful devices.
• Local Data Indexing and Management: PIN AI reduces reliance on cloud servers by indexing data locally, facilitating quicker and context-aware AI interactions.

Blockchain Integration: Blockchain technology underpins PIN AI’s operational framework, introducing a transparent and immutable ledger that increases trust and accountability in AI operations.

• Smart Contracts for Autonomous Operations: Automated execution of agreements via smart contracts ensures compliance and eliminates intermediaries.
• Tokenization and Incentive Structures: A token-based economy incentivizes data sharing under user-consented agreements, fostering a user-driven data marketplace.

Advanced Cryptographic Techniques: Dedicated to privacy, PIN AI incorporates advanced cryptographic methods to protect user data while maintaining utility.

• Zero-Knowledge Proofs: These allow data validation by other parties without exposing the underlying data.
• Homomorphic Encryption: Enables data processing in an encrypted state, securing data even when handled by third-party services.

Implications for Stakeholders

For Consumers:

• Enhanced Privacy and Security: Users have complete control over their data, reducing the risks of breaches.
• Personalized AI Interactions: On-device processing allows customized AI services respecting user privacy.

For Enterprises:

• Compliance with Data Regulations: PIN AI’s architecture helps enterprises adhere to stringent data protection laws.
• Innovative Business Models: The decentralized data marketplace model offers new avenues for ethical data utilization and monetization.

This is a Major Paradigm Shift

Decentralized Data Ecosystems: PIN AI advocates for decentralized data management, disrupting traditional data silos and promoting a more equitable distribution of AI-generated value.

Unlike big tech firms that commoditize user data, PIN AI ensures data sovereignty for users, challenging the prevailing practices of the industry.

PIN AI is more than an AI platform; it’s a vision for the future where personal AI is a tool for user empowerment. Integrating blockchain and employing advanced cryptographic techniques, PIN AI builds a secure, privacy-focused digital ecosystem that respects user autonomy.

PIN AI is set to redefine the AI landscape by prioritizing security, privacy, and user empowerment. Our investment in PIN AI reflects Dispersion Capital’s commitment to technologies that break down big tech silos and enhance user autonomy. By supporting PIN AI, we are not just investing in technology but in a future that respects and enriches user autonomy, setting new standards for how AI platforms operate within the digital ecosystem. As PIN AI evolves, it promises a decentralized, privacy-focused future in artificial intelligence, demonstrating the profound impact of aligning technology with user-centric values.