TLDR: Israeli AI startup Augmented Intelligence (AUI) has successfully raised $20 million in a SAFE funding round, setting a valuation cap of $750 million. The company, founded in 2017, specializes in a hybrid AI model that excels in complex, task-based conversations, differentiating itself from conventional large language models. This latest investment brings AUI’s total funding to approximately $60 million and will fuel its global expansion.
Tel Aviv, Israel – November 2, 2025 – Augmented Intelligence (AUI), an innovative Israeli artificial intelligence startup, announced today it has secured $20 million in a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) funding round. This strategic investment places a valuation cap of $750 million on the company, signaling strong investor confidence in its unique hybrid AI technology. The round saw participation from existing investors, including eGateway Ventures and a consortium of investors from the Israeli fund New Era Capital.
Founded in 2017 by Ohad Elhelo and Ori Cohen, AUI has now amassed approximately $60 million in total funding. This follows a previous $10 million round raised about a year ago, which was capped at a $350 million valuation.
AUI distinguishes itself in the rapidly evolving AI landscape through its sophisticated platform that seamlessly integrates two core AI approaches: generative AI and symbolic reasoning. The generative component is adept at interpreting and formulating user messages, while the symbolic reasoning component is designed for making precise decisions and handling complex logical operations.
Co-founder Ohad Elhelo emphasized the critical advantage of this hybrid model, stating, ‘Our hybrid approach enables us to manage task-oriented conversations, such as booking a hotel stay or opening a bank account, an area that remains largely unsolved for conventional large language models (LLMs), which excel in open-ended dialogue but struggle with structured, transactional interactions.’ This capability allows AUI to tackle real-world business challenges that often prove difficult for systems like ChatGPT.
The company currently employs 45 professionals across its offices in Tel Aviv and New York. AUI’s symbolic model is already being utilized by several Fortune 500 companies, demonstrating its practical application and value in enterprise environments.
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Looking ahead, Elhelo articulated AUI’s ambitious vision: ‘AUI’s vision is to create ‘one big model’ capable of serving multiple clients at scale, as opposed to the industry’s prevailing approach of building bespoke solutions for each customer.’ The newly acquired capital is earmarked to bolster the company’s presence in New York and prepare for its next phase of commercial growth and global expansion.
