Exclusive: Google alums raise $5m to build ‘the UX for GenAI’

2026-02-12 · Source: Sifted · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Heywa Labs, a London-based startup focused on developing the user experience (UX) for generative AI, has successfully raised a $5 million seed round. The funding was led by Cherry Ventures, with participation from notable investors including Abstract Ventures, Cocoa, Firstminute Capital, and several Google and DeepMind alumni. Founded in October 2025 by Milena Nikolic and Jeremy Fiance, Nikolic previously served as CTO at Trainline for 10 years and held a senior role at Google. The company currently employs 10 people across London and San Francisco and plans to expand its team. Heywa aims to simplify the interaction with complex AI models like ChatGPT and Midjourney, making them more accessible and user-friendly for a broader audience.

Key takeaway

For product managers overseeing AI-powered applications, Heywa Labs' approach highlights the critical need for intuitive user experiences. Your team should prioritize simplifying complex AI interactions to broaden adoption and enhance user engagement, potentially by investing in dedicated UX development for generative AI features. Consider how a consumer-grade interface could transform your product's accessibility.

Key insights

Heywa Labs secured $5M to build intuitive UX for generative AI, simplifying complex model interaction.

Principles

• Simplify complex AI interactions
• Focus on user experience

Method

Heywa Labs is developing a UX layer that abstracts the complexity of interacting with generative AI models like ChatGPT and Midjourney, aiming for a consumer-grade experience.

In practice

• Integrate AI models into user-friendly interfaces
• Design for broad accessibility

Topics

• Generative AI
• User Experience
• AI Startups
• Seed Funding
• AI Models

Best for: Product Manager, Investor, Entrepreneur, AI Product Manager

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Sifted.