19-year-old Zain Javaid's startup called Ghost builds an AI computer without screen; the 'brain in a box' can be the next big PC idea

Its almost half a century since personal computers hit the markets - Kenbak-1, which came in 1970, is widely recognized as the world's first commercially available personal computer. Since then PCs have gone through several changes in their form factors but one thing remain common in all of them - a screen. But now a startup, cofounded by a 19-year-old Zain Javaid, aims to change all that. The San Francisco based startup has raised $11 million in funding since its inception and plans to reshape how users interact with technology, moving beyond traditional desktop setups.

The Brain in the Box

Core, priced at $3,499, does not feature a screen and is engineered to continuously operate AI agents that can understand user context and perform tasks autonomously. Users interact with the device through a mobile app, allowing the AI agents to manage tasks without waiting for user commands. Core is likened to a "brain in a box" due to its centralized AI processing capabilities, designed to integrate information from various devices and applications.

Core is equipped with an Nvidia RTX Pro 4000 SFF Blackwell GPU, optimized for running AI models. It installs three models initially and allows users to add others from platforms like Hugging Face. This design reflects the intent to develop a computer dedicated to AI, setting it apart from general-purpose computers like a Mac Mini.



The computer's advantage lies in its ability to form connections among diverse data sources. For example, Core could alert a user if it notices a rising heart rate, late-night project work, and the onset of flu season, thereby suggesting potential health issues. Privacy is crucial for Ghost as personal information and memory can be kept on the device itself, instead of relying on cloud services.

Javaid emphasized the importance of data privacy, stating, “The system can block a network request if it detects an action that should not be allowed and flag it for the user.” This focus on security aims to build user trust in the AI's capabilities.

Ghost's initiative reflects a paradigm shift in personal computing. The team believes that the future lies in AI functionalities that seamlessly integrate into daily life, operating in the background rather than requiring explicit user engagement. With Ghost's innovative approach and the core team's youthful energy, the startup aims to redefine the role of technology in personal computing, heralding a new era where AI takes a central role in assisting users with their digital tasks and experiences.

Team Behind Core

Zain Javaid's AI startup Ghost is aiming to transform personal computing with its innovative product called Core, a computer designed to run AI agents. Javaid, who previously worked as a quantitative analyst, discovered his passion for AI after the release of ChatGPT in 2022. He stated, “I felt fundamentally excited in a way I never had before.” His vision for Ghost is to create an AI system capable of managing various aspects of a user’s digital life without constant input. He is focused on rethinking the computer itself around AI agents, driving the company’s overall vision.

The founding team includes Gautam Sharda, 23, who serves as the technical lead, Yifei Chen, 24, as the design lead, and Nicholas Chua, 19, who tackles growth strategies. Sharda has an extensive technical background, having worked as a software engineer at Google. His experiences led him to Ghost through discussions with Javaid about local AI models and consumer privacy. Sharda’s role encompasses building the software and hardware needed for the AI computer.

Yifei Chen is responsible for creating the product experience and brand design at Ghost. With a master’s degree in User Experience Design and a solid background in visual design, Chen aims to build an aesthetically pleasing and functional user interface. Both Sharda and Chen have applied their expertise to strengthen Ghost's foundations.

Nicholas Chua, the youngest co-founder, focuses on growth strategies. He has a background in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research and has prior experience in growth roles at Wispr Flow and TikTok. His insights into product and market strategies play a critical role as the company prepares to launch Core to consumers.