Calum Worthy's AI Start-up 2wai Unveils Innovative Video-Chat App

In a significant development within the realm of artificial intelligence, 2wai, an AI start-up co-founded by actor Calum Worthy and Hollywood producer Russell Geyser, has officially launched its inaugural app, designed to revolutionize how fans interact with celebrities. The app, which was unveiled on June 25, 2025, aims to provide a platform where users can engage in lifelike, conversational interactions with AI-generated avatars, including cultural icons and historical figures.

According to Calum Worthy, co-founder and head of business development at 2wai, the app is a culmination of extensive research and development conducted during the 2023 actors' strike, which highlighted an urgent need for creators and individuals to maintain agency over their digital likeness. "With the launch of 2wai, we’re enabling entirely new experiences that are as authentic as the HoloAvatars we create," Worthy stated. The app allows users to converse with various characters, including AI representations of William Shakespeare, as well as personalized avatars based on real people, including Worthy himself.

This innovative approach positions 2wai distinctively against general-purpose chatbots, as the company employs a unique method termed "FedBrain". This ensures that the avatars interact based on a closed data set, allowing for controlled conversations while processing information locally on the user's device. Russell Geyser, CEO of 2wai, elaborated, "To animate a character or a person and let them have a real-time conversation, we can do that for almost no money," highlighting the cost-effectiveness of their technology.

2wai has successfully raised $5 million in pre-seed funding and is currently operating with a team of 33 employees. The app's beta version is available for free on iOS, with plans for a premium subscription model that will introduce celebrity avatars at a nominal monthly fee. Notably, the technology is already being utilized in educational settings, where British Telecom has implemented an app that allows students to interact with Shakespeare's HoloAvatar in over 300 schools across the UK.

Experts have lauded the potential of 2wai's technology. Dr. Emily Carter, a digital media expert at Stanford University, remarked, "The ability to engage with historical figures through AI could transform educational practices, making learning more interactive and immersive."

Industry leaders are observing 2wai's trajectory with keen interest. According to industry analyst Mark Thompson from the International Association of Digital Media, the app could set a precedent in the entertainment and educational sectors, where personalized interaction is increasingly valued. "2wai’s innovation aligns perfectly with the current trends of digital engagement, where consumers seek more meaningful connections with content and creators," Thompson noted.

Looking ahead, Worthy and Geyser plan to expand the app's offerings significantly. The duo aims to continually introduce new avatars, thereby enhancing user experience and engagement. "This lets them engage fans 24-7 without needing to be online all the time. This platform enables this one-on-one, human-like connection," Worthy added.

As 2wai continues to evolve, its founders remain committed to ensuring that the platform serves as a tool for artists, empowering them to amplify their voices and foster deeper connections with their audiences. The launch of the app marks a pivotal moment in the intersection of artificial intelligence and entertainment, with the potential to reshape how audiences interact with their favorite public figures.