Last updated 2026-07-23
- Acquired by Apple for $2B, Jan 2026
- Raised $24.5M Seed round led by Google Ventures (GV), Jan 2023
Total raised
$24.5M
Last: Undisclosed Round
Stage
Acquired
Founded
2022
Headcount
350
HQ
Ramat Gan, Israel
Sector
Business Software
About
Q.ai is an Israeli artificial intelligence startup that developed machine learning applications focused on whispered speech and advanced audio technologies for wearable devices. The company's technology deciphers speech without sound by reading micro-movements of the face and jaw, translating whispers and silent speech into words and commands. It also aims to transform audio and communication experiences for wearable devices and can separate background noise from user speech for noise reduction during calls. Q.ai's technology can be applied to products such as AirPods or the Vision Pro headset to enhance user interaction.
Funding history · 1 round · $24.5M total
2023-01
Seed
$24.5M
Ctech, Jan 2026
★ Google Ventures (GV)★ AlephKleiner PerkinsMatterExorCorner VenturesSpark CapitalSchusterman Family Investments
Headcount over time
From 539 (2024-03) to 293 (2026-03) · -246 (-46%) · 8 points · source: Finder history + radar grounding
Q&A
- What is Q.AI's primary business?
- Q.AI develops audio and vision-based AI that decodes facial micro-movements and whispered speech to create silent, hands-free interfaces for connected devices, enhancing communication technology.
- When was Q.AI founded?
- Q.AI was founded in February 2022.
- Who acquired Q.AI and for how much?
- Q.AI was acquired by Apple in January 2026 for $1.5 billion.
- Who are the co-founders of Q.AI?
- The co-founders of Q.AI are Aviad Maizels (CEO), Avi Barliya (COO), and Yonatan Wexler (CTO).
- Which investors participated in Q.AI's funding rounds?
- Investors in Q.AI's funding rounds included Aleph and Matter Venture Partners.
- What is Q.AI's headquarters location?
- Q.AI's headquarters is located in Ramat Gan, Israel.
Team · 3
Aviad Maizels
Founder · CEO
Dr. Yonatan Wexler
Founder · CTO
Dr. Avi Barliya
Founder · Chief of Staff
Sectors & technology
Primary sector
Business Software
Sub-sectors
Business SoftwareIT, R&D & Data SolutionsCommunications Tools
Business model
B2BB2C
Full data — links, identifiers, deals & radar signals (jobs, patents, research, more)
External links
| Website | q.ai |
|---|---|
| linkedin.com/company/82588691 |
Identifiers & details
| Legal name | Q (Cue) Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2022-2 |
| Employees (exact) | 350 |
| Status reason | Acquired by Apple on Jan 2026 |
Acquisitions & public offerings
Acquired by Apple 2026-01 $2.0B
Radar intelligence
Patents
| EPO | 3 |
|---|
Web history (Wayback)
| Domain | q.ai |
|---|
Certificate / subdomain footprint
| Subdomains | 6 |
|---|
Israeli Companies Registrar (רשם החברות / ICA)
| Registrar # (ח.פ.) | 516571171 |
|---|---|
| Status | פעילה |
| Corp type | ישראלית חברה פרטית |
| Incorporated | 2022-02-28 |
| Purpose | לעסוק בכל עיסוק חוקי |
| Liability | מוגבלת |
| In violation (unfiled) | no |
| Last annual report | 2025 |
| Active charges / liens | 0 |
| Registry events | 16 — charge (9), other (2), shares_capital (2), people (3) |
| Registered address | דרך אבא הלל 21 רמת גן |
Recent registry events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2025-12-25 | רישום שעבוד |
| 2026-01-25 | עדכון שעבוד |
| 2026-02-24 | עדכון כתובת ו/או מען דיגיטלי |
| 2026-02-23 | העברת מניות |
| 2026-01-19 | סילוק שעבוד |
| 2026-01-18 | סילוק שעבוד |
| 2026-01-18 | סילוק שעבוד |
| 2026-05-17 | סילוק שעבוד |
| 2026-02-16 | הקצאת מניות |
| 2026-02-16 | שינוי בתקנון |
| 2026-02-15 | עדכון דירקטורים-הסרת דירקטור |
| 2026-02-15 | עדכון דירקטורים-הוספת דירקטור |
| 2025-10-12 | סילוק שעבוד |
| 2026-02-11 | עדכון בעלי תפקידים |
| 2025-08-05 | סילוק שעבוד |
| 2026-05-05 | סילוק שעבוד |