Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has founded a new AI startup called Hooglee, focusing on AI-powered video generation and social networking. According to Forbes reporter Sarah Emerson, the company aims to “democratize video creation with AI” and is currently funded by Schmidt’s family office, Hillspire. Sebastian Thrun, co-founder of Google’s Waymo, leads the project alongside former Meta research scientists. The platform, which some staff members describe as a potential TikTok alternative, will compete with established AI video generators like Runway and OpenAI’s Sora. While trademark applications indicate both video creation software and social networking features, Schmidt has declined to comment on specific details. The project marks Schmidt’s first direct venture into AI development, following his previous investments in companies like Anthropic and SandboxAQ.