{
  "id": 16708447,
  "title": "This AI startup raised $300 million to build digital versions of consumers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/this-ai-startup-raised-300-million-to-build-digital-versions-of",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-27T04:01:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-startup-simile-digital-consumer-twin-2026-10"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "AI startup Simile has raised $300 million at a $2 billion valuation to develop digital representations of consumers. CEO Joon Sung Park explained that users can input demographic information and ask simulated consumers a variety of questions. Companies such as CVS, financial institutions, and entertainment firms are already utilizing Simile's technology. Park stated that Simile is creating a foundation model of human behavior that can simulate individuals or groups in various situations. Users can access an online interface to define the target audience and questions. Simile maintains simulated panels for different sectors and gathers data from over 40 million individuals globally, including Gallup. This capability provides companies with a significant advantage in understanding consumer behavior.",
  "summary": "Simile raised $300 million at a $2 billion valuation to build AI digital doubles that predict how shoppers might react to products and marketing.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}