Aina Raises $5.5 Million to Develop AI Hardware for Controlling Intelligent Agents
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Aina Secures $5.5 Million to Build AI-Native Hardware
Bengaluru- and San Francisco-based AI hardware startup Aina has raised $5.5 million in a funding round led by Redstart Labs (Info Edge India) and 360 ONE, with participation from MIXI Global Investments, Antler, and Blume Founders Fund.
The round also included angel investors such as Kunal Shah, Harshil Mathur, Shashank Kumar, and Tikhon Bernstam.
The company said the funding will support the development of hardware devices designed to help users interact with and control AI agents.
Building Devices That Trigger AI Workflows
Founded by Apoorv Shankar, former Vice President of Hardware at Ultrahuman, Aina is focused on creating hardware interfaces that actively control AI agents rather than simply recording user activity.
Its first product, Dune, is a compact three-key programmable keypad that enables users to trigger shortcuts, manage microphone and camera controls during meetings, and execute predefined workflows based on the application in use.
The startup also developed two prototype devices—Radiance, a tabletop controller for video meetings, and Shift, a one-touch button designed to trigger AI-powered tasks. Based on early user testing, Aina decided to launch Dune first after it received the strongest customer response.
Expanding AI Hardware Development
According to the company, insights from its existing devices will contribute to the development of future AI hardware products. Aina plans to begin testing its next device with a select group of users in the coming weeks.
The startup said its long-term focus is on building hardware that helps users invoke and manage AI-powered workflows using context already available across personal devices, rather than relying on continuous data capture.
Growing AI Interface Market
Aina enters a rapidly expanding AI hardware market alongside companies developing new interfaces for AI interactions, including smart wearables, AI-enabled accessories, and programmable productivity devices.
With the new funding, the company plans to continue product development as it explores new ways for users to interact with AI agents through dedicated hardware.
