Flapping Airplanes

Private

AI research lab focused on solving the data-efficiency problem in AI. Named after the metaphor that current AI scaling is like putting flapping wings on an airplane rather than discovering aerodynamic principles.

Founders Ben Spector, Asher Spector, Aidan Smith

CEO Ben Spector

Company

Founded

2025

Headquarters

San Francisco, US

Employees

11-50

Financials

Total Funding

$180M

Last Valuation

$1.5B

Sectors

Artificial Intelligence

flappingairplanes.com

Funding History

1 round

Seed Jan 7, 2026

$180M

Valuation: $1.5B

Sequoia Capital (Lead) GV Index Ventures

Funding data is compiled from multiple independent sources including company announcements, press coverage, and regulatory filings. While we strive for accuracy, amounts and dates may reflect reported figures at time of announcement.