A well-known YouTuber named Coffeezilla has stirred up controversy around the AI assistant Rabbit R1. Coffeezilla is recognized for exposing influencer scams. In a new film, Coffeezilla explores the history of Rabbit Incorporation, the firm that created the device, posing concerns over its reliability and possible financial wrongdoing.
The investigation centers on Rabbit Inc.’s previous identity: Cyber Manufacturing Co. According to Coffeezilla, this name change occurred just two months before the launch of the Rabbit R1. More importantly, Coffeezilla discovered that Cyber Manufacturing Co. secured $6 million in funding back in November 2021 for a project called “GAMA,” described by CEO Jesse Lyu as a “fun little project” during a recent interview.
However, Coffeezilla unearthed old recordings from Clubhouse, a social audio platform, where Lyu appears significantly more invested in GAMA. The recordings depict Lyu discussing millions of dollars in funding and ambitious goals for the project, including creating a “carbon negative crypto 2.0.” This revelation directly contradicts Lyu’s recent downplaying of GAMA.
Coffeezilla’s investigation doesn’t stop there. He raises concerns about the fate of the $6 million raised for GAMA after the company rebranded as Rabbit Inc. and seemingly abandoned the project. With GAMA seemingly left behind, Coffeezilla estimates that potential investor refunds could reach around $1 million.
Rabbit Inc. has responded to the allegations, denying the abandonment of GAMA. They claim the project was “open-sourced and given back to the community,” a statement Coffeezilla views with skepticism. Additionally, Rabbit Inc. disputes Coffeezilla’s interpretation of “refund” and the context surrounding Lyu’s Clubhouse comments.
With over 1.5 million views on Coffeezilla’s video, the Rabbit R1 faces a wave of scrutiny. The investigation raises questions about Rabbit Inc.’s business practices, the potential misuse of funds, and the truth behind the GAMA project. Only time will tell how Rabbit Inc. responds to these allegations and whether they can regain the trust of potential customers and investors.