Teen Founder of Cal AI Raises $10 Million for New AI Startup Persona

Oct 8, 2026

AI Summary

Zach Yadegari, the 19-year-old co-founder of Cal AI, has launched a new AI startup named Persona, securing $10 million in funding led by Vine Ventures. Persona aims to provide a personal AI assistant with a focus on user privacy and a wearable device that will be available for purchase soon.

Zach Yadegari, co-founder of the calorie tracking app Cal AI, has launched a new startup called Persona.
The startup has raised $10 million in funding, with Vine Ventures leading the investment round.
Persona is designed as a personal AI assistant, featuring a wearable band priced at $179, which will be available in December.
The assistant will not be ambient AI; it will activate via a button or wrist flick, prioritizing user privacy by processing data in the cloud and encrypting it.
The startup's business model includes showing ads during shopping research, but the assistant will provide unbiased recommendations based on user preferences.
Persona has launched a free beta product that allows users to interact with the assistant through iMessage, attracting a few thousand users and generating significant preorder revenue.
The assistant can perform various tasks such as ordering food, booking travel, and answering questions, with plans for future enhancements to make it more proactive.
Yadegari previously co-founded Cal AI, which was acquired by MyFitnessPal, and he aims to create a seamless user experience with Persona.

startupfundingpersonal aientrepreneurshipcalorie tracking

Teen Founder of Cal AI Raises $10 Million for New AI Startup Persona

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