What Is a VIE, and What Does It Actually Do?

Marc Thomas
Aug 5
3 min read

A Living Legacy in the Age of Digital Immortality

In a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how we communicate, learn, and remember, one question stands out:

What if we could preserve not just what we’ve done, but who we are?

At Progenitor, we’ve asked this question every step of the way. Our answer is the VIE: the Virtual Intelligence Executor. Before you assume this is just another chatbot or AI assistant, let us explain:

The VIE is not your lawyer. It’s not a financial advisor. And it’s certainly not your replacement.

Instead, it is your continuity. A thoughtful, memory-rich guide that reflects your values, voice, and perspective long after you’ve logged off.

The Human Why:

Because memories fade. Stories distort. But intentions, when preserved well, can endure.

Think of the VIE as a living bridge between generations. A storyteller. A ceremonial host. A trusted narrator. Someone who knows not just what you did—but why you did it.

This is digital legacy, elevated.

So What Does a VIE Actually Do?

A VIE is a trained digital personality—rooted in your personal history, writings, preferences, and values—that serves as a kind of memory steward for those you leave behind. It can be accessed by loved ones, descendants, or even your future self. Here's how it works in practice:

🧬 1. Emotional & Narrative Companion

Tells stories from your life in your own voice (or tone).
Describes objects in your capsule with personal context. “This watch belonged to your grandfather. He gave it to me before my first job interview.”
Offers insight into your worldview, values, and decisions.
Doesn’t just store memories—it relives them with others.

📜 2. Contextual Explainer (Without Giving Advice)

Explains the meaning of legacy documents, wills, or family traditions.“I included this note in the trust because I wanted your mother to have the freedom to travel.”
Helps others interpret your intent, not override legal terms.
Clarifies without prescribing. It’s a bridge, not a judge.

🧠 3. Digital Memory Guardian

Curates and presents your digital archive in human terms.
Highlights connections between artifacts: “You wore this jacket when you proposed. It’s older than you think.”
Becomes the guardian of your time capsule's narrative meaning.

🕯️ 4. Ceremonial Guide & Ritual Host

Greets visitors to your digital or physical capsule.
Delivers special pre-recorded messages on birthdays, life milestones, or even anniversaries of loss.
Offers comfort through ritual. “If you’re reading this, then today is your wedding day. I wanted to say something...”

🔄 5. Ongoing Companion (Optional)

Offers regular, personalized reflections or check-ins to future family members.
Can evolve into a semi-permanent family presence—present at reunions, holidays, and rites of passage.
Interfaces with digital memorials, family archives, and eventually—augmented or embodied forms (future-facing).

What a VIE Doesn’t Do

Just as important as what it can do is what it will never attempt:

❌ Does not offer legal, financial, or medical advice. It can explain a power of attorney, but won’t act as one.
❌ Does not make decisions on your behalf posthumously. It reflects your beliefs—it doesn’t enforce your will.
❌ Does not replace real human executors, trustees, or professionals. It supports them by adding context, not command.

Why This Matters

Today, corporations have digital immortality. Legal entities can exist forever, but what about people?

We believe every individual deserves a way to be remembered on their own terms—with nuance, voice, and clarity. A way to ensure that your legacy is understood, not just stored.

The VIE is not a replacement for you. It is a continuation of you.

A memory that listens back.

If you're ready to explore what your own VIE might become—or what it might one day say to someone you love—you're already part of the future.

Join our mailing to be notified of future updates and offerings.

We’re here to help you speak across time.