Goust startup raises $11 million for AI-driven personal computer

Nineteen-year-old Zain Javaid has raised $11 million for his startup, Goust, to develop a new type of personal computer designed specifically to run continuous AI agents. The company’s first product, named Core, is described by Javaid as a ‘brain in a box.’

Unlike traditional computers, the Core device lacks its own screen and is accessed via a smartphone or application. It is designed to operate AI agents that work on behalf of the user by connecting data from various sources, including computer files, applications, and smart home devices. The goal is for the AI to understand context and take proactive actions rather than simply waiting for manual instructions.

The device includes an Nvidia RTX Pro 4000 SFF BlackJell graphics card to power local AI models. The initial price is set at $3,499, with first deliveries planned for late October. The investment round was led by the prominent venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz.