Instinct has raised $1 billion in a Series C round, pushing its valuation to $10 billion just one month after an earlier funding announcement valued the company at $2.5 billion.
Investors backing the new round include Sequoia Capital, Benchmark Capital, and Coatue. The Information reported the fundraising efforts earlier this month, and Instinct confirmed the details in a press release on Monday.
What the numbers say
The company launched its invite-only service in August 2026, making this a rapid expansion for a startup that is barely a year old.
Instinct represents a shift in consumer AI tools. Previous models could answer questions or hold conversations. These new agents can execute tasks. Users can ask the software to book travel, reserve tables at restaurants, make purchases, pay bills, cancel subscriptions, conduct research, or order groceries.
The system operates using a dedicated phone number and computer access. Recent updates include a concierge feature that places calls to handle appointments where online booking is unavailable. Another addition is a trusted person network. This allows one user’s agent to coordinate plans with the agents of their friends.
Privacy concerns
These capabilities require significant personal data. Some users are questioning the amount of information they must disclose to access such functions. The company’s initial privacy policy drew criticism for its overreach. Instinct has since updated the document.
Competition from Meta
Instinct now faces competition from Meta’s AI assistant, Muse. Muse offers similar features plus deep integration with Meta’s social products. The system can monitor and summarise Instagram DMs and Facebook Groups. It also tracks Marketplace listings.
Muse has reached the top of US app stores with millions of downloads. Instinct communicates via SMS and texting and does not yet have a mobile app. The startup has not shared user numbers or growth metrics, but investors appear confident in its direction.
Founder Noah Shinn declined interview requests but issued a statement regarding the funding:
“We’re building Instinct to be the best personal agent that can handle the deeply personal nuances of everyday life. This funding helps us bring Instinct to more people and continue building the future of personal AI. It’s an exciting, creative time, and we’re just getting started.”
