Prentis: Revolutionizing AI Research with Cutting-Edge Computer Use Models
Prentis, a pioneering AI research lab co-founded by serial entrepreneur Ritankar Das and tech heavyweights Reid Hoffman and Mark Pincus, is on the cusp of a major funding milestone. The startup is in talks to raise $100 million at a $1 billion valuation, according to two people familiar with the discussions.
Launched in April, Prentis is dedicated to developing computer use models that can learn from office workers’ routine workflows across documents and systems. The ultimate goal is to build AI agents that can control computers to automate these tasks, freeing up time for more strategic and creative work.
Automating Everyday Office Tasks
Prentis is working towards a future where automating everyday office tasks will soon outpace coding as AI’s biggest use case. The startup is confident that its technology will revolutionize the way businesses operate, making them more efficient and productive. By developing agents tailored to customers’ specific needs, Prentis aims to help companies automate tasks such as handling insurance claims and customs duty refund exceptions without requiring human intervention.
The startup has already signed contracts worth up to $50 million with several customers, including a healthcare management service organization, a manufacturer, and goods and clothing manufacturers. According to investor materials obtained by TechCrunch, Prentis predicts an estimated $75 million annualized run rate by the third quarter of this year. However, it’s essential to note that these figures are performance-dependent and subject to final execution.
Hive-32B Model: A Breakthrough in Computer Use Benchmarks
Prentis’ Hive-32B model has made significant strides in outperforming rivals, including OpenAI’s GPT-5.4 and Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4.6, on two computer-use benchmarks: WindowsAgentArena and ScreenSpot-v2. These benchmarks measure end-to-end task completion on real Windows applications and the model’s ability to locate the right on-screen control, respectively.
The company attributes its edge to running a much smaller, cheaper model, which results in roughly 10 times lower cost per task compared to frontier APIs. This makes it more economical to deploy across everyday workflows, further solidifying Prentis’ position as a leader in the AI research field.
A Competitive Market with a Clear Vision
Prentis is not alone in its pursuit of developing AI agents for computer use. Anthropic, OpenAI, and Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab are also working on similar projects. However, Prentis’ unique approach and focus on automating everyday office tasks set it apart from its competitors.
Ritankar Das, CEO of Prentis and founder of Titan, a holding company that builds and operates AI companies, is a visionary in the AI research space. With a background in bioengineering and chemical biology, Das has a deep understanding of the complexities involved in developing AI models. His experience in founding and operating AI companies, including Tala Health and Forta Health, has prepared him for the challenges of leading Prentis.
