# Instinct AI startup valuation growth

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/instinct-ai-startup-valuation-growth
> Updated: 2026-09-28T19:32:00.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 3.

Instinct, an AI startup founded by Noah Shinn and officially known as Spear Street Technology Inc., focuses on developing functional AI agents capable of executing complex workflows such as scheduling meetings, booking travel, and managing errands. Unlike traditional chatbots, the service is designed to operate within existing messaging platforms like WhatsApp and iMessage.

The company has experienced rapid financial growth. Following an initial raise of $250 million at a $2.5 billion valuation, Instinct has successfully completed a $1 billion Series C funding round. This latest financing, which included participation from Sequoia Capital, Benchmark Capital, and Coatue, brings the company’s valuation to $10 billion, a significant increase from its $2.5 billion valuation just one month prior.

Instinct is currently in an early access phase, focusing on the technical challenge of creating a reliable system for real-world applications. The software aims to move beyond conventional conversational models by performing autonomous tasks, such as planning road trips, ordering groceries, managing subscriptions, making reservations, and placing phone calls. The technology includes a “concierge” service for complex interactions and a “trusted person network” that allows different agents to coordinate plans directly with one another.

As the company scales, it faces regulatory scrutiny in Europe. Under the EU AI Act, systems that interact directly with humans via phone or text must identify themselves as AI to avoid substantial fines. Additionally, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the company’s new ‘Instinct Selections’ feature, which provides unsolicited product recommendations.

## Claims

- Instinct raised $1 billion in a Series C funding round. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The company reached a $10 billion valuation following the funding round. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Investors in the round included Sequoia Capital, Benchmark Capital, and Coatue. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The AI agent is designed to perform autonomous tasks such as booking travel, making reservations, and ordering groceries. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The agent uses its own phone number and computer to interact with businesses and complete tasks. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The EU AI Act requires AI systems interacting directly with people to identify themselves as AI. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- ElevenLabs reached a $22 billion valuation following a $300 million tender offer. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- SiMa. ai raised $150 million in Series C funding at a $1.45 billion valuation. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: AI startups Instinct and ElevenLabs see massive valuation surges

AI startups are seeing massive investment, with Instinct raising $1 billion at a $10 billion valuation for personal agents and ElevenLabs reaching a $22 billion valuation in the voice AI market.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/instinct-raises-1-billion-for-personal-ai-agents

### 2026-09-21: Instinct AI startup reaches $2.5 billion valuation under founder Noah Shinn

Noah Shinn’s AI startup, Instinct, has reached a $2.5 billion valuation. The agent-based assistant performs real-world tasks via text and phone calls rather than just answering questions.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/instinct-startup-raises-250-million-at-25-billion-valuation

### 2026-09-17: Instinct AI assistant valuation reaches $10 billion

AI startup Instinct is reportedly seeking a $1 billion funding round at a $10 billion valuation, driven by its unique integration into messaging apps like iMessage.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/instinct-ai-assistant-valuation-reaches-10-billion

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Cite as: Instinct AI startup valuation growth. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/instinct-ai-startup-valuation-growth