Affectiva
Pioneer of Emotion AI technology that understands human emotions and cognitive states
About Affectiva
Affectiva, now part of the Smart Eye group, is a pioneering artificial intelligence company that created and defined the category of Emotion AI. Founded in 2009 by visionary scientists Dr. Rana el Kaliouby and Dr. Rosalind Picard as a spinoff from MIT Media Lab, Affectiva developed groundbreaking technology that analyzes facial expressions, vocal patterns, and physiological signals to understand human emotions, cognitive states, and activities. The company’s mission has always been to humanize technology by bridging the gap between humans and machines.
Building on its expertise in deep learning, computer vision, and speech science, Affectiva evolved its technology beyond basic emotion detection to encompass Human Perception AI – software that can understand complex human behaviors, interactions, and contexts. The automotive industry has become a key focus area, where Affectiva’s AI enables safer and more comfortable driving experiences through driver emotion monitoring and passenger sentiment analysis. The technology is also widely applied in advertising and media analytics to gauge consumer emotional responses, helping brands create more engaging and effective campaigns.
Throughout its journey, Affectiva raised $53 million from prominent investors including Kleiner Perkins, Aptiv PLC, Horizon Ventures, Fenox Venture Capital, and WPP. The company gained recognition as one of CB Insights AI 100, Forbes AI 50, and Fortune’s Top 50 Companies leading the AI revolution. In 2021, Affectiva was acquired by Swedish company SmartEye for $73.5 million, creating a transatlantic AI powerhouse focused on automotive interior sensing and media analytics markets.
Discussion
Product Demo Video
Investors
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Aptiv PLC
Lead investor in $26M Series C round
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Kleiner Perkins
Prominent early investor in Affectiva's growth funding rounds
People
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Dr. Rana el Kaliouby
Co-founder and former CEO of Affectiva, pioneer in Emotion AI technology, Egyptian-American computer scientist who spun out Affectiva from MIT Media Lab in 2009.
- Co-founded Affectiva in 2009 from MIT Media LabnPioneer of Emotion AI technology categorynFormer CEO who led company to $73.5M acquisition by Smart EyenTED speaker and best-selling authornFortune 40 Under 40 and Forbes Top 50 Women in Tech
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Dr. Rosalind Picard
Co-founder of Affectiva and professor at MIT Media Lab, pioneer who authored the foundational book 'Affective Computing' that created the field of emotion AI.
- Co-founded Affectiva with Dr. Rana el KalioubynProfessor at MIT Media LabnAuthor of foundational 'Affective Computing' booknPioneer in wearable computing and emotion recognitionnFormer Chairman and Chief Scientist at Affectiva
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Abdallah Yafi
Board member at Affectiva, Co-founder and General Partner at BY Venture Partners, experienced venture capitalist with expertise in AI and technology investments.
- Board member at AffectivanCo-founder and General Partner at BY Venture PartnersnVenture capitalist specializing in AI and technologynSupported Affectiva's growth and strategic development