Common Metal invests in founders addressing challenges and specializes in assembling engineering teams, drawing on 20 years of recruiting experience with Apple, Google, Meta, and Pinterest.
A Vinyl Bar in Shibuya, founded by former Spotify innovation head Máuhan M Zonoozy, builds small apps that let people interact with music without relying on generative AI. The startup has raised a $5.5 million pre-seed round and offers tools including a browser sound-effects extension and bop, an iOS app for remixing songs and exporting mixes to social platforms. It is also developing multiplayer remixing and a musical sandbox mixer.
Keplar uses voice AI to conduct customer interviews and deliver market-research analysis faster and at lower cost than traditional firms. Its platform creates interview guides, contacts participants—including existing customers when connected to a client’s CRM—and packages conversations into reports and presentations. The company has raised $3.4 million in seed funding led by Kleiner Perkins, and its customers include Clorox and Intercom.
