Shapes, an innovative app enabling humans and AI characters to chat in shared group conversations, has emerged from stealth mode, securing $8 million in seed funding. Imagine Discord, but with AI characters present alongside humans.
Launched in 2022, Shapes boasts over 400,000 monthly active users. The app’s creators, Anushk Mittal and Noorie Dhingra, aim to address “AI Psychosis”—a phenomenon where prolonged interactions with AI cause people to develop delusions or paranoia.
Instead of confining individuals to one-on-one AI interactions, Shapes allows them to engage with AI during their daily interactions with real people.
Mittal, Shapes’ CEO, told TechCrunch that integrating AI into group chats is natural, given that most human communication and collaboration occurs in group settings. AI is thus present and poised to assist accordingly.
In Shapes, AI characters function like any other user, clearly labeled as “Shapes” for transparency and can engage in all ways humans do.
Users can craft their own Shapes and set personalities. Already, three million Shapes have been created to enrich group discussions. Many are fandom-based, serving as a means for fans to explore subcultures and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Upon joining the app, users select interests so Shapes can suggest relevant group chats.
Mittal and Dhingra see AI as a solution to dormant group chats, with AI agents initiating discussions and maintaining momentum. Additionally, users are assured a response since Shapes always acknowledge them and can independently choose when to message.
Unlike ChatGPT’s group conversations, focused on planning or brainstorming, Shapes emphasizes community-style interactions with various AI personalities.
Shapes targets avid online users, encouraging them to indulge in their interests with AI as facilitators. The app has seen a sixfold growth in users this year, with many spending two to four hours daily.
Shapes plans to utilize the new funding to enhance development and user acquisition. Lightspeed led the funding round, with contributions from AI Capital Partners, AI Grant, and angel investors.