Aaru, startup that provides near-instant customer research by using AI to simulate user behavior, has raised a Series A at led by Redpoint Ventures, according to three people familiar with the deal.

The funding round included different valuation tiers, these people said. Although some equity was acquired at a $1 billion valuation, a lower valuation for other investors resulted in a blended valuation below $1 billion, according to people. Multi-tier valuations within the same round are an unusual mechanism in venture capital, but investors say they are becoming increasingly common for desirable AI startups in the current market. This approach allows the company to report a higher “headline” valuation while simultaneously offering better terms to specific investors.

Aaru and Redpoint Vent

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