A new research focused AI lab is taking a bold bet on making artificial intelligence far more data efficient. Flapping Airplanes has secured $180M in seed funding to explore radically different ways of training AI models. Founded by brothers Ben and Asher Spector along with Aidan Smith, the lab is not trying to compete directly with scale driven players like OpenAI or DeepMind. Instead, it wants to solve what the founders call the data efficiency problem.
Ben Spector said current frontier models are trained on the sum of human knowledge, while humans learn with far less data. The team believes this gap is worth exploring. Aidan Smith added that the human brain learns very differently from transformers and gradient descent systems. “We want to try really, really radically different things,” he said, noting that some ideas may fail but could unlock new trade offs. The lab draws inspiration from the brain as proof that alternative algorithms exist, but does not aim to copy biology exactly. As Ben explained, the name reflects this idea. They are not building birds, but something like a flapping airplane that borrows useful principles without being identical.
The founders argue that improving data efficiency could unlock new AI applications in robotics, scientific discovery and enterprise use cases where data is limited. Asher Spector said a model that is 1000x more data efficient could reason more deeply, adapt to new domains with just a few examples and open entirely new verticals. He suggested that forcing models to learn from less data might push them toward deeper understanding rather than memorization. The team also believes this approach could lead to better hardware and software co evolution, expanding AI capabilities beyond simple job automation.
Despite the large $180M backing, the company says it is focused on research first and commercialization later. The founders were surprised by how strongly their message resonated with investors, who they say are eager for a new age of research. They are hiring young and creative researchers, including students, prioritizing originality over credentials. As Ben said, the key question is whether someone can teach them something new. For now, Flapping Airplanes is betting that radically different thinking can reshape the future of AI.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
