Ambi Raises $26M to Scale Ambient AI Intelligence

Ambi, a startup founded by former Plaud executive Peter Mo, has raised $26 million in funding rounds led by original design manufacturer (ODM) Huaqin and Luminous Ventures, which has previously backed Unitree Robotics and Meituan, according to TechCrunch.

While many meeting notetakers focus on automating tasks after a call concludes, Ambi is designing an AI agent to work during the meeting. By integrating web data, knowledge bases, calendars, and meeting history, the tool provides real-time insights and proactive suggestions. The company is launching apps for Mac, iPhone, and Apple Watch, and plans to release a hardware device equipped with microphones, a camera, a speaker, and a screen. Additionally, an upcoming desktop app will monitor user work to store data in its memory for personalized suggestions, a strategy TechCrunch notes is similar to apps like Minimi and Littlebird.

However, the push for total context creates significant friction regarding privacy. TechCrunch reports that some meeting notetakers have faced lawsuits for recording conversations without consent. Mo told TechCrunch that while ambient capture is off by default and users can disable it, the responsibility for disclosing the recording to third parties remains with the user. Mo described the lack of a disclosure solution as an "industry-wide problem."

Ambi currently employs over 50 staff members across Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, and San Francisco, and is currently recruiting AI engineers and go-to-market personnel.