Instinct, an invitation-only AI assistant, is gaining traction in Silicon Valley for its ability to perform various tasks, from booking travel and ordering groceries to handling customer service inquiries and managing subscriptions. The AI is reportedly raising $250 million at a $2.5 billion valuation.
The rise of AI assistants like Instinct signifies a shift towards AI that actively performs tasks, potentially reshaping how individuals manage their daily lives and interact with digital services, while also raising important questions about data privacy and the future of personal assistance.
Instinct, an invitation-only AI assistant, is gaining attention for its ability to perform a wide range of tasks directly through text messages, eliminating the need for complex setup. The AI has been used to book travel accommodations, order consumer goods like whey protein from Costco, handle administrative tasks such as faxing documents for fee refunds, and manage appointments with healthcare providers and insurance companies. It can also cancel forgotten subscriptions and respond to emails.
The service operates by integrating with users' digital lives, requiring access to email, calendars, and other login-dependent accounts to maximize its utility. This deep integration, however, comes with privacy considerations, as Instinct's terms of service permit the training of its models on user data.
Instinct is reportedly seeking to raise $250 million in funding at a valuation of $2.5 billion. The company was founded by Noah Shinn, a 23-year-old who previously worked at AI company Sierra. This development aligns with a broader industry trend towards 'agentic AI,' where artificial intelligence is designed to take action on behalf of users rather than merely providing instructions.