Instinct AI Startup Raises $1 Billion, Reaches $10 Billion Valuation

    The “Instinct” AI assistant has raised $1 billion in a new funding round (approximately 1.7 billion manats). Following this stage, known as “Series C,” the startup’s valuation rose to $10 billion (approximately 17 billion manats). Investors include “Sequoia Capital,” “Benchmark Capital,” and “Coatue.”    The company had been valued at just $2.5 billion (approximately 4.25 billion manats) only 1 month earlier. The invitation-only “Instinct” service launched in August 2026 and rapidly gained traction. The assistant does more than answer questions. It makes reservations on the user’s behalf and also handles everyday tasks such as shopping and payments.    When given a task, “Instinct” works using its own phone number and computer. The new “concierge” feature can call places that do not offer online reservations and schedule appointments. Another feature called “Trusted person network” connects friends’ AI assistants to coordinate shared plans.    Using these features requires sharing a considerable amount of personal information. This has raised privacy concerns. The initial privacy policy of the “Instinct” service was criticized for its overly broad data-collection rules. Although the company later updated the document, questions remain about entrusting personal information to AI assistants.    “Instinct” also competes with “Meta’s” AI assistant called “Muse.” In addition to performing similar tasks, “Muse” briefly summarizes “Instagram” messages and posts in “Facebook Groups.” It can also monitor “Marketplace” listings. The service, which rose to the top of US app stores, has been downloaded millions of times.    “Instinct” communicates with users through SMS and text messages, while a separate mobile app has not yet been released. The startup also does not disclose its user count or growth metrics. Nevertheless, the company’s valuation rising from $2.5 billion to $10 billion in 1 month shows that investors have strong interest in the service.