Instinct, a rapidly emerging AI startup founded just last year by 23-year-old Noah Shinn, has secured $350 million in total funding following a $250 million Series B round. This latest investment round, co-led by Index Ventures and Benchmark, values the company at an impressive $2.5 billion. Instinct offers an AI assistant designed to help users efficiently manage tasks by connecting with their apps and devices, communicating through texts and calls.

The AI assistant has garnered significant enthusiasm among early users who report a wide range of applications, from planning cross-country road trips to managing grocery shopping and even organizing weddings. According to Shinn, many users have used Instinct to streamline their lives by cancelling subscriptions and booking events, showcasing the versatile capabilities of the AI agent. Despite the startup being in private beta, its growing user base is actively engaged with the product.

While Instinct’s growth and user engagement are promising, the company has also faced scrutiny over privacy issues. Online discussions have raised concerns about the app’s broad permissions and terms of use, which some users find potentially invasive. These privacy worries have sparked conversations about how such AI tools handle user data, as the startup quickly scales its presence in the competitive AI market.

Instinct is operated by Spear Street Technology and has managed to capitalize on the current excitement around AI innovation. As it continues to grow with substantial venture backing, the company aims to refine its product and address user concerns. The startup’s rapid rise highlights both the opportunities and challenges faced by AI-driven personal assistants in today’s tech landscape.