Ex-Ultrahuman Executives Secure $5.5 Million Seed Funding for AI‑Hardware Startups

Parter, a startup that builds an AI platform to help hardware engineering, supply‑chain and R&D teams manage parts, suppliers and tariff risks, announced a $5.5 million seed round led by StageOne Ventures with participation from Zenda Capital. The company, founded by former Ultrahuman hardware vice‑president Asaf Israelit, aims to embed AI directly into operational decisions for hardware manufacturers.

Aina, a consumer‑hardware venture founded by former Ultrahuman VP of Hardware Apoorv Shankar, also raised $5.5 million in seed financing. The round was led by Redstart Labs (Infoedge, India) and 360 ONE Asset, with investors including MIXI Global Investments, Antler, Blume Founders Fund and several angel backers. Aina is developing a new AI‑era interface that moves beyond traditional touchscreens and keyboards, building on its Dune context‑aware keypad and preparing to launch a flagship “Pilot” device.

Both companies are linked by their founders’ Ultrahuman background and their focus on applying artificial‑intelligence tools to physical‑product development and human‑computer interaction.