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Instinct AI startup valuation growth

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2026-09-30 04:32 UTC → 2026-09-30 19:50 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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