Reflekta unveils AI platform for preserving voices and stories of loved ones

Emotional AI startup Reflekta has launched a platform designed to preserve and share the voices, stories, and advice of deceased loved ones. The company introduced its technology, described as “soul tech,” at the Ai4 2025 conference in Las Vegas, where attendees could interact with digital avatars modeled on real people.

The system enables families to create an “Elder” avatar by providing personal material such as recorded stories, photographs, and voice samples. Reflekta’s AI processes this input to replicate the person’s speech patterns, personality traits, and emotional tone, allowing users to hold text or voice conversations that mimic real interactions. The company says all responses are generated solely from the data supplied by the family, without sourcing information externally.

Privacy is central to the platform, according to Reflekta, with avatars kept private by default, accessible only to designated individuals. Data is encrypted and stored using secure cloud infrastructure. Consent from the individual or their legal representative is required before an avatar is created, and the company states that avatars are not used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

One of the first examples is an avatar of Paul Matusky, a World War II veteran whose family contributed personal letters, anecdotes, and recordings. The digital version can share stories and recollections in his voice, providing both historical and personal insights to his relatives. Family members described the experience as emotionally significant, offering a sense of connection and continuity.

Reflekta co-founder and CEO Miles Spencer said the idea grew from a desire to reconnect with his late father. “We want to help people connect with loved ones, even after they’ve passed,” Spencer said. “Grief and love are two sides of the same coin, and Reflekta gives love a voice that endures, ethically and respectfully.”

The company positions its technology as both a tool for personal legacy preservation and a potential aid in the grieving process. While it does not claim to replace the loss of a loved one, Reflekta suggests the platform can help keep memories active and accessible for future generations.

Reflekta’s launch comes amid a broader trend in AI applications aimed at personal memory preservation, as technology companies explore how artificial intelligence can store, simulate, and interact with personal histories.