Polar, a new AI-focused web browser startup, has launched with a mission to serve knowledge workers rather than everyday consumers. Founded by Kevin Jiang, a former Perplexity employee who worked on the AI browser Comet, Polar offers features that enable users to automate workflows, save AI prompts, and assign tasks to AI agents based on open tabs. Unlike earlier AI browsers that targeted general users with functions such as travel booking, Polar zeroes in on professional tasks like sales, recruitment, marketing, and business operations, hoping to provide tangible long-term value.

The company recently secured $5.7 million in seed funding led by Madrona Ventures, with additional investors including prominent figures like ex-GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke and Phoebe Gates, founder of Phia. Polar’s browser is currently free, allowing limited daily AI task credits, with premium subscription options beginning at $20 per month for users who need greater access. Many existing users complement Polar with other browsers, using its AI tools primarily for task automation rather than as their main web browser.

CEO Kevin Jiang explained that earlier waves of AI browsers struggled to gain traction with mass consumers because everyday tasks like booking travel don’t occur frequently enough for lasting engagement. By focusing on the niche of knowledge work where AI agents can streamline complex workflows and data gathering, Polar aims to carve out a sustainable market. Sabrina Albert from Madrona emphasized the advantage that browsers have through user data and logged-in services, enabling more effective and integrated AI-powered automation.

Polar sees the web browser as the optimal platform for AI-driven productivity enhancement but remains open to expanding into other computing contexts. With automation and agent capabilities at its core, Polar positions itself within the evolving landscape of AI tools focused on improving how professionals interact with information online. This fresh approach builds on lessons learned from prior AI browser attempts and aims to meet the specific demands of knowledge-centric users.