San Francisco-based AI startup Instinct has reached a valuation of $10 billion following a $1 billion Series C funding round. The investment was led by Sequoia Capital, Benchmark Capital, and Coatue. This valuation represents a significant increase from the $2.5 billion valuation the company held just 33 days prior.
Founded in 2025 by 23-year-old Noah Shinn, Instinct develops personal AI agents capable of performing tasks such as ordering groceries, planning trips, and managing subscriptions. The agent operates via text or voice and requires access to user email, messaging, screen, audio, and location data. Access to the platform is currently available by invitation only.
The company has raised a total of approximately $1.35 billion to date. Previous funding includes a $350 million Series B round, which was co-led by Index Ventures and Benchmark. Despite the high valuation, Instinct has not disclosed revenue figures or a specific business model, and the founder has reportedly expressed a desire to avoid charging users.
The startup faces competition from established players like Meta, which launched its Muse agent in September. While Meta can integrate its AI into platforms like Facebook and Instagram, Instinct remains an independent entity. The company has previously updated its data privacy policies following criticism regarding its initial terms of service.
