Thrixel, an AI-native 3D creation platform founded by University of Chicago computer scientist Rana Hanocka, has raised $3 million in inception funding to develop tools that make it easier to create and control production-ready 3D content.
The funding came from Sierra Ventures, MFV Partners, Harper Court Ventures and Z5 Capital, with participation from industry leaders including AI and computer graphics researcher Jon Barron and former EA executive Matt Bilbey.
Thrixel is building a 3D creation platform designed to generate assets as individually named and structured parts. This allows AI agents and developers to identify, assemble, edit and animate different components directly inside popular 3D engines.
For example, a car created with Thrixel can include separate named parts such as wheels, doors and a chassis. Developers can then modify or replace individual components using code or use them to build more complex 3D experiences.
The platform combines vision-language models, AI agents, generative diffusion models and optimization techniques across different stages of the 3D modeling process. Creators can use the complete workflow or apply individual tools to refine their models.
Thrixel is also launching Build World, an AI-powered workflow that helps turn ideas into interactive 3D experiences. The system works alongside an AI coding agent that can generate the required 3D assets while also writing the code and logic needed to build an experience.
Build World supports major platforms and game engines, including Roblox, Three.js, Unity and Unreal Engine.
The company was founded by Rana Hanocka, an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of Chicago. Her research includes MeshCNN, a framework for deep learning on 3D meshes, and Text2Mesh, an early approach to text-based 3D manipulation.
Thrixel said it is working with developers, game studios and enterprises to improve its platform and understand their production workflows. The company is also engaging with partners in gaming, interactive media, robotics and simulation.
With the new funding, Thrixel aims to expand its AI-native 3D technology and make structured 3D content easier to create, edit and use across modern development pipelines.
