Singapore-based startup Acti has emerged from stealth with $5.3 million in seed funding to embed AI agents directly into the smartphone keyboard. The company's new keyboard app, available on iOS and Android, allows users to create custom AI-powered shortcuts using natural language, effectively turning the keyboard into an execution layer for AI tasks.
What Acti's Keyboard Does
Acti's keyboard works across all apps on the phone. Users can type commands like 'summarize this article' or 'schedule a meeting' and the AI agent executes the task directly. The startup describes it as 'the next home for AI assistants,' betting that the keyboard—a universal interface—is the ideal place for AI interaction.
'Acti is betting the smartphone keyboard is the next home for AI assistants,' the company stated in its launch announcement.
The keyboard uses natural language processing to understand user intent and can trigger workflows such as drafting emails, setting reminders, or fetching information—all without leaving the current app.
Funding and Backing
The $5.3 million seed round was led by notable investors, though specific names were not disclosed in the sources. The funding will be used to scale the team, improve AI models, and expand to more devices. Acti's approach contrasts with traditional keyboard apps that offer autocorrect and suggestions, instead focusing on proactive task execution.
Competing with Microsoft's Project Solara
Acti's launch comes alongside news of Microsoft's Project Solara, a research initiative that puts AI agents in charge on devices designed for specific work tasks. While Solara aims to create specialized devices with dedicated AI agents, Acti's keyboard approach works on existing smartphones, making it more accessible.
Industry analysts note that both projects reflect a growing trend: moving AI assistants from standalone chatbots to integrated system-level agents. 'The keyboard is the most used app on a phone. Embedding AI there reduces friction,' said a tech analyst quoted by TechCrunch.
How It Works
Acti's keyboard uses a combination of on-device and cloud AI models. Users type a command preceded by a trigger word (e.g., '@acti'), and the agent parses the intent, executes the task, and returns results inline. For example, typing '@acti translate this to Spanish' would instantly replace the text with its translation.
The startup claims the keyboard learns user preferences over time, offering proactive suggestions. Privacy is handled via on-device processing for sensitive data, with cloud AI used for complex tasks.
Market Implications
The smartphone keyboard market is dominated by Google's Gboard, Apple's built-in keyboard, and Microsoft's SwiftKey. Acti's AI-agent approach could disrupt this space by offering capabilities beyond text input. However, it faces challenges in adoption and privacy concerns.
Microsoft's Project Solara, while not a direct product, signals that tech giants are also exploring agent-centric computing. Acti's advantage lies in its platform-agnostic approach and immediate availability.
Expert Perspectives
Some experts see Acti's keyboard as a natural evolution of digital assistants. 'Siri and Google Assistant are often buried behind button presses. A keyboard is always visible and active,' noted a user experience researcher. Others caution that AI agents on keyboards could lead to errors or security risks if commands are misinterpreted.
Acti's team, composed of former engineers from Google and Meta, says they have implemented safeguards, including confirmation prompts for irreversible actions.
What's Next
Acti plans to release a public beta in the coming weeks. The startup is also exploring integrations with third-party services like Slack, Gmail, and Notion. With $5.3 million in the bank, Acti is positioning itself at the forefront of a new paradigm: the keyboard as an AI execution layer.
As the lines between input and action blur, Acti and Microsoft's Solara are pioneering a future where AI agents are not just assistants but active participants in our digital workflows.
