Carter.

Based in London, Carter Labs is developing a platform focused on the interaction between humans and artificial intelligence characters. Founded in April 2022 by Danial Ali and Huw Prosser, the company aims to provide tools for developers to create more realistic and meaningful interactions between human users and virtual characters in gaming, as well as for augmented and virtual reality applications. Prosser brings prior experience in the AI sector, having previously founded the business automation software company Blooware.

The company's core offering is an API that enables developers to build and integrate sophisticated non-playable characters (NPCs) into their games and virtual worlds. This technology is designed to move beyond pre-scripted dialogue, allowing for dynamic and unscripted conversations that make virtual characters feel more like companions. This addresses the market for more immersive and engaging storytelling within interactive entertainment. The business model targets game developers, providing them with the underlying technology to enhance their products.

In December 2022, Carter secured £1.7 million (approximately $2.06 million) in a pre-seed funding round. The investment was led by Play Ventures and included participation from Connect Ventures, GFR Fund, and several individual investors. This capital was earmarked for the further development of its AI technology. The company operates under the thesis that AI-first platforms will define the next decade of storytelling, seeking to reimagine humanity's oldest technology for a new AI-native world.

Keywords: conversational AI, non-playable characters, NPC, game development, virtual characters, AI storytelling, developer tools, API, human-machine interaction, virtual reality, augmented reality, AI companions, immersive entertainment, Danial Ali, Huw Prosser, Carter Labs, Play Ventures, AI-native, interactive storytelling, character AI, gaming technology