News Summary

Jenny Shao, previously a practicing physician and Harvard medical resident, has launched Robyn, an empathetic AI companion designed to enhance emotional well-being and reduce isolation. Robyn is positioned as an emotionally intelligent partner, not a replacement for therapists or clinical practitioners. It aims to help users understand their emotional patterns and strengthen their connection with themselves and others. The app, available on iOS, includes features to ensure user safety, such as providing crisis line numbers and directing users to emergency services when necessary. Robyn has raised $5.5 million in seed funding, led by M13, with participation from notable investors including Google Maps co-founder Lars Rasmussen. The startup has grown from three to ten team members this year, and Robyn is now launching in the U.S. with a subscription model.