AI training-data startup AfterQuery has reportedly been valued at $3.2 billion, marking a 10x increase in value in just five months. This feat is said to be the fastest ever for a Y Combinator startup, according to the accelerator’s partner Gustaf Alströmer.
The founders, aged 22 and 23, joined Y Combinator’s Winter 2025 cohort just 18 months ago. In April, the San Francisco-based firm claimed to have achieved an annualized revenue run rate of $100 million and was working with major labs like Nvidia, Legora and Motif Technologies.
Unlike traditional model training, AfterQuery focuses on teaching AI agents to emulate the decision-making processes of professionals. The company’s innovative approach could signal a shift in how AI models are trained and used in the industry.
The startup’s rapid growth comes at a time when scrutiny over AI’s ethics and transparency is increasing. As more companies look to AfterQuery for their AI training needs, questions arise about the impact of this new approach on the broader tech landscape.
Despite its success, AfterQuery’s latest round could not be confirmed for comment, leaving many wondering what the future holds for this young tech giant.
