The shift in accessibility and popularity of remote work has increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. And with more people working from home, greater flexibility with tasks and projects is presumed. For some, this flexibility has been a Godsend. And we see this through popular memes, Reels, and TikTok videos that explore the various types of multitasking from people who have fully embraced the remote-work culture.
But what if you didn’t have to figure out how to make that box braid appointment and your team meeting scheduled at the same time work? What if you could be in multiple places simultaneously and get paid for making it happen?
CEO Brandon Cooper of Aphid has created a process that allows you to do just that.
According to a Forbes report, Aphid is an automation network that produces a digital version of yourself “to handle lower level tasks” online while you take a nap, go for a workout, or run household errands. Aphid’s website says tasks could include automating customer support on a website or even trading stocks automatically.
“Imagine waking up smiling because all you have to do is think about what you’d like to do next, not what you have to do next,” Cooper said to Forbes. “For many of us, this is a distant or unimaginable reality. Our goal at Aphid is to help people breathe freely again, to remind them that they don’t have to labor from one moment to the next.”
One can say that Cooper has always had his eye set on changing the landscape for work-life balance.
Based on the Forbes report, the 36-year-old entrepreneur moved to Los Angeles to create an artificial intelligence product to disrupt the traditional 9-5 culture.
However, his disruptive product wasn’t a solo endeavor. Cooper sought out Sean Ross and Shri Ramani, a former colleague and a former classmate, respectively, as his co-founders. Aphid also has Chad Thomas, a former technologist at Myspace, serving as his chief technology officer.
The team Cooper assembled uses Aphid’s technology to create digital robots called aClones that can do work almost identical to the employee.
One of the additional benefits of using Aphid is that one can generate revenue from every completed task. Once an aClone completes a job, the user gets paid. This model will benefit employees but also shows great potential for small and mid-sized businesses looking to streamline and/or multitask.
“If your aClone is working for you 20, 40, or 60 hours a week online, you have more time and energy to dedicate to your craft and family. Time shouldn’t have to be a luxury. It’s something we’re all entitled to, something we all deserve to enjoy,” Cooper explained to Forbes.
The Detroit native believes the AI product will bring information equity to people who typically do not have access to it.
Currently, Aphid is raising funds for its seed round. According to Forbes, Cooper and team have a $3 million goal and have received their first investment from venture capital firm MOI.
He understands that this concept is an out-of-the-box idea and is grateful for those connected to the product who believe in Aphid the way he does.
“I’m grateful for them. It’s a project from outer space, and I love that aspect of what we’re doing because it’s how we push humanity forward,” Cooper said.
