Flora Introduces an AI-Powered Infinite Canvas Designed for Real Creatives

AI is evolving fast—generate a story, sketch an image, or create a film with just a few prompts. But for Weber Wong, founder and CEO of Flora, most of these tools miss the mark. “They’re made by non-creatives, for non-creatives—to feel creative,” he says.

Wong’s startup Flora is challenging that status quo. It launched this week with a bold manifesto: AI creative tools should be more than gimmicks producing ‘AI slop.’ Flora positions itself as a serious tool for professionals—not just a toy for novelty.

What Makes Flora Different?

Unlike most AI tools that prioritize output over originality, Flora aims to balance speed with creative control. It’s not building new AI models from scratch. Instead, Wong’s team is building what he calls an "infinite canvas"—a visual interface where users can blend models to generate text, images, and video, all mapped and organized for collaborative workflows.

“It’s not about the model. It’s about the interface,” Wong emphasizes.

Think of it this way: you prompt an image of a flower. Then, you explore that image’s elements. Each prompt and result becomes a visual node on Flora’s shared canvas—evolving, branching, and visible to collaborators. This turns abstract AI generation into a navigable creative journey.

Targeting Real Creative Workflows

Flora is focusing initially on visual design agencies, where professionals crave both speed and nuance. Wong is actively working with top-tier design firms—including the iconic Pentagram—to refine Flora based on real-world feedback.

The goal? To help a designer generate not just one logo, but 100 meaningful variations in a fraction of the time. Wong compares this creative leap to the shift in music production—from needing orchestras to solo artists producing full tracks from their bedrooms with tools like Ableton.

The Story Behind the Founder

Wong’s own background bridges technology and art. Once an investor at Menlo Ventures, he left when he realized, “I wasn’t the kind of founder I’d invest in.” That sparked a shift—he joined NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program to explore how tech can serve artistry.

Flora’s alpha version didn’t just launch quietly. Wong streamed real-time footage from a GoPro strapped to his head on the Flora homepage, allowing users on the waitlist to stylize the live feed using AI. It was part demo, part art piece—a perfect reflection of what Flora is about.

Winning Over the “AI-Curious”

Wong understands the hesitation many creatives feel toward AI. Last year, Pentagram even faced backlash for using Midjourney in a government project. But instead of courting “AI natives” who are already sold, Flora is speaking to the “AI-curious”—creatives who are open but cautious.

“Our job is to make Flora so good that even AI skeptics feel compelled to try it,” says Wong.

He also makes it clear that Flora doesn’t train AI models on user data. It uses third-party models and commits to respecting copyright and intellectual property norms.

A Tool to Unlock New Creative Possibilities

Flora isn’t trying to replace artists—it’s aiming to expand what they can do. Wong wants the tool to open new aesthetic frontiers, much like how the Kodak Brownie camera made photography accessible and playful for a generation.

He’s so committed to quality over quantity that he jokes about making team hats that say “anti-AI slop.”

Pricing and Backers

While Flora hasn’t shared its full funding details, it’s backed by notable names including:

• a16z Games Speedrun

• Menlo Ventures

• Long Journey Ventures

• Angel investors from Midjourney, Stability, and Pika

The tool is currently free to try, with limits on project volume and output. Professional plans begin at just $16 per month, making it accessible for freelancers and small studios alike.

In Summary

Flora isn’t just another AI design tool—it’s a platform built for real creatives, by someone who understands both code and craft. Its infinite canvas approach gives professionals structure, flexibility, and power, while keeping the soul of creative work intact.

If you're a designer, artist, or creative thinker exploring how AI can elevate your work—Flora might just be the canvas you've been waiting for.