Ghost raises $11M to launch Core, a $3,499 AI-focused PC

Ghost, a San Francisco-based startup founded by 19-year-old Zain Javaid, has raised $11 million in seed funding to launch Core, a $3,499 personal computer designed to run AI agents locally. The round was led by Andreessen Horowitz and includes investments from Abstract, Audacious Ventures, SV Angel, and Nova.

Ghost emerges from stealth with $11 million seed round

Ghost, a San Francisco-based startup founded by 19-year-old Zain Javaid, has emerged from stealth with an $11 million seed round. The funding was led by Andreessen Horowitz, with participation from Abstract, Audacious Ventures, SV Angel, and Nova. Javaid’s founding team includes Nicholas Chua (19), Yifei Chen (24), and Guatam Sharda (23).

The startup’s first product, Core, is a personal computer priced at $3,499, designed specifically to run AI agents locally. According to TechCrunch, the device includes an Nvidia RTX Pro 4000 SFF Blackwell GPU, an AMD Ryzen 5 CPU, 64GB DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD. Core comes with three preinstalled AI models—Qwen-3.8-Next, Qwen-3.8-27B, and Gemma-4-31B—and supports additional models from platforms like Hugging Face.

Ghost’s founders emphasize data privacy, stating that all personal information on Core is encrypted and stored locally, with no meaningful access granted to third parties, including Ghost itself. Zain Javaid was quoted by TechCrunch, stating that once the hardware is purchased, "everything is stored, run, and processed on the device."

Core enters market with premium hardware and niche focus

Pre-orders for Core opened recently, with the first batch selling out. Shipping is scheduled to begin on October 31, according to TechRadar. The device’s hardware, which includes a $3,200 Nvidia GPU, is valued at closer to $5,000, but Ghost is selling it at a discounted price for the initial batch. Future batches are expected to be priced higher.

Core is positioned as a competitor to high-end AI hardware from companies like Nvidia and AMD, as well as premium personal computers from brands like Apple. Unlike traditional PCs, Core is designed to proactively send notifications based on contextual data, such as health, work, or seasonal trends, leveraging its local AI capabilities.

Ghost’s software layer, browser, and filing system are proprietary, differentiating the product from standard hardware configurations. The company currently assembles the units in-house at its San Francisco facility.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

Ghost’s emergence with a high-spec, AI-focused personal computer reflects a broader trend of startups targeting niche hardware markets. The $3,499 price point for Core positions it as a premium product, likely aimed at developers, enterprises, or enthusiasts who prioritize local AI processing and data privacy.

The choice to bundle high-end hardware like the Nvidia RTX Pro 4000 GPU suggests a bet on the growing demand for on-device AI capabilities, particularly as concerns about data privacy and cloud costs persist. However, the steep price tag and early sell-out of the first batch may indicate limited scalability in the short term.

For founders, Ghost’s approach—combining off-the-shelf hardware with proprietary software—highlights a viable path to market entry without reinventing the wheel. The involvement of top-tier investors like Andreessen Horowitz also signals confidence in the team’s ability to execute, despite their youth. That said, competition from established players like Apple and Nvidia, along with the challenge of justifying the premium price, will be critical hurdles to watch.

Key takeaways

• Ghost has secured $11 million in seed funding, led by Andreessen Horowitz and Nova, to launch its AI-focused personal computer, Core.
• Core is priced at $3,499 and includes high-end components like an Nvidia RTX Pro 4000 GPU and AMD Ryzen 5 CPU.
• The device is designed to run AI agents locally, with encrypted data storage and over-the-air updates for AI models.
• Pre-orders for the first batch sold out, with shipping scheduled for October 31; subsequent batches may be priced higher.
• Ghost’s founding team is young, with members aged 19 to 24, and the product targets a niche market of AI developers and privacy-conscious users.

FAQ

What is Ghost’s Core, and how is it different from other PCs?

Core is a $3,499 personal computer designed specifically to run AI agents locally. Unlike traditional PCs, it includes high-end hardware like an Nvidia RTX Pro 4000 GPU and emphasizes data privacy by encrypting and storing all personal information on the device itself. It also comes with preinstalled AI models and supports over-the-air updates.

Who is behind Ghost, and how did they secure funding?

Ghost was founded by Zain Javaid, who is 19 years old, along with a team of young entrepreneurs including Nicholas Chua (19), Yifei Chen (24), and Guatam Sharda (23). The company raised $11 million in a seed round led by Andreessen Horowitz, with additional investments from Abstract, Audacious Ventures, SV Angel, and Nova.

Why is Core priced at $3,499, and who is it for?

Core is priced at $3,499 due to its high-spec components, including a $3,200 Nvidia GPU. The device is targeted at developers, enterprises, and privacy-conscious users who need local AI processing capabilities. The first batch sold out, indicating strong interest in this niche market.

Will Ghost release more batches of Core, and will they be cheaper?

Ghost has already sold out its first batch of Core, with shipping starting October 31. The company has indicated that future batches may be priced higher, reflecting the premium hardware and niche focus of the product.

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