Key facts
- Instinct, an AI assistant startup, has raised $250 million in a Series B funding round.
- The funding round was co-led by Index Ventures and Benchmark.
- Instinct's total funding now stands at $350 million.
- The company has achieved a valuation of $2.5 billion.
- Instinct connects to user apps and devices, allowing communication via text and calls.
- Privacy concerns have been raised regarding the app's permissions and terms of use.
Instinct, an AI assistant startup founded last year and led by 23-year-old Noah Shinn, has secured $250 million in a Series B funding round, bringing its total funding to $350 million and achieving a valuation of $2.5 billion. The company, offered by Spear Street Technology, provides an AI assistant designed to help users organize their lives by connecting to their apps and devices, with communication handled via texts and calls.
Early users have reported using Instinct for various tasks, including planning road trips, purchasing groceries and concert tickets, and canceling subscriptions. Shinn expressed enthusiasm for the early user engagement with the AI assistant.
Despite the positive user feedback, Instinct, which is currently in private beta, has faced controversy regarding privacy concerns. Users have voiced worries about the extensive permissions the app requires and its terms of use, which some find invasive.