Interview with Founder, Jonathan Young of Eternal Legacy AI!
We had the incredible opportunity to sit down for an in-depth discussion about our journey at Eternal Legacy AI. In this interview, Jonathan shares our inspiration, the challenges we’ve faced, and our vision for leveraging AI to connect with the past. Discover how we aim to transform the way we understand and engage with our historical and familial legacies.
Join us as we explore innovation, growth, and the future of digital storytelling!
Interview:
Let's start with Eternal Legacy AI—why don't you give us some insight into it?
Jonathan Young: Eternal Legacy AI was born out of a very personal story, involving my 10-year-old daughter. She’s named after my mother-in-law; a wonderful woman I never had the chance to meet as she passed before I came into the picture. Sadly, my daughter hasn’t had the opportunity to get to know her grandmother either. Naturally, I wanted to find a way for her to connect with this pivotal figure in her life.
I did the usual; asked around, spoke to relatives, sifted through local newspapers. But it wasn’t the same as truly interacting with her. The spark for Eternal Legacy AI came from combining my experiences with Fortune 500 companies such as Disney, ESPN, Hulu, and Starbucks, where I witnessed AI's transformative power. I thought, why not use AI to leverage data from the past to create a digital medium where we can connect with those who came before us? And that’s how this idea was born. It struck me deeply—this is something that simply needs to be done, and no one else is doing it. So, I decided it was time to make it happen. Here we are today.
Where do you see the company heading in the next three to five years?
Jonathan Young: Oh, I love that question—it encompasses the core vision for what we call "Ela" (short for Eternal Legacy AI). In the first phase, we’ll focus on historical figures, ensuring we perfect their visual representation. Next, we’ll expand into fictional characters to refine emotional portrayals. In phase three, with full consent and proper protocols, we’ll connect with real people to capture authenticity in sound, appearance, and emotion. Finally, in phase four, we’ll focus on family history—bridging generations and enabling people to connect with their ancestors in an intimate and meaningful way. These steps will unfold as we progress over the years.
What are some challenges you’re facing currently?
Jonathan Young: The main obstacle is the technology—it’s not fully there yet. However, this challenge is also an opportunity, as no one else has ventured into this specific space. The potential is immense—people yearn to reconnect with their past, their memories, and their loved ones in a way that feels tangible and real. Preserving those precious moments digitally could allow us to revisit them and continue learning from the wisdom left behind.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
Jonathan Young: Of course! I’ve been deeply involved with computers throughout my life, though my academic journey didn’t start there. My undergraduate degree was in supply chain management, which included two years living in China—where I learned Cantonese and Mandarin—and studying logistics to ensure product availability.
Later, I pursued an MBA in finance, exploring market dynamics. But my first love for computers began at 17 when I built my own computer. That experience—understanding motherboards, power supplies, VGA connections, and more—sparked a passion that stayed with me. After graduate school, I transitioned into IT consulting, which brought me closer to the evolving field of AI and its applications in Fortune 500 companies. It’s been thrilling to see how these innovations can shape our future.
Speaking of the company’s future, how are you planning to utilize the capital raised?
Jonathan Young: The funds will primarily be directed toward proving the concept. We’ve assembled two teams with separate approaches to ensure the best possible outcome. Beyond that, we’ll focus on hiring the right people, moving forward strategically, and emphasizing marketing efforts to introduce this technology to museums and institutions. By starting with history, we aim to reconnect people with the lives and stories of their ancestors—figures like Abraham Lincoln and George Washington—and preserve their legacies for generations.
Lastly, why should investors consider Eternal Legacy AI?
Jonathan Young: That’s a great question. Coming from a finance background, I appreciate the power of investment and its ability to drive innovation. Eternal Legacy AI is pioneering a space that’s already gaining interest—someone approached me just last night about working on a similar concept. The train is moving, and we’re opening the door for investors to join us on this journey. With the concept ready, the team in place, and the passion driving us forward, we’re poised to create something truly transformative. Let’s seize this moment and take the leap into what’s next.