Startups·20 October 2026·1 min readTechnical readSource-backed

Replika’s founder built the AI assistant she pitched at Disrupt 12 years ago

Twelve years after pitching an early lifestyle concierge chatbot at TechCrunch Disrupt, founder Eugenia Kuyda has officially launched Wabi for all users.

By WireUnwired Editorial Team

Editorial illustration for Replika’s founder built the AI assistant she pitched at Disrupt 12 years ago — WireUnwired deterministic editorial visual

WIREUNWIRED BRIEF

Twelve years after pitching an early lifestyle concierge chatbot at TechCrunch Disrupt, founder Eugenia Kuyda has officially launched Wabi for all users. The release marks an evolution for the startup, which initially focused on user-built mini apps when it raised a $20 million pre-seed round last year. Wabi functions as a messenger app that uses artificial intelligence to create multiple agentic threads and custom apps automatically.

When connected to an email account, the assistant spins up dedicated threads for tasks and goals without requiring users to build apps manually. The platform features a multiplayer design that allows multiple people to share threads and coordinate schedules, activities, or finances. Kuyda noted that single-thread AI assistants can become cluttered over time.

By splitting conversations into multiple threads and group chats, Wabi aims to prevent information overload. The platform is currently free, and the company is in talks to raise additional funding.

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SOURCE & ATTRIBUTION

TechCrunch

Original author: Rebecca Bellan

Original publication: 20 October 2026 00:19

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STORY TITLE:
Replika’s founder built the AI assistant she pitched at Disrupt 12 years ago
SOURCE:
TechCrunch
ORIGINAL URL:
https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/19/replikas-founder-built-the-ai-assistant-she-pitched-at-disrupt-12-years-ago/

SOURCE EXCERPT:
Eugenia Kuyda's newest startup Wabi is positioned to take advantage of an idea she had more than a decade ago. Wabi offers a personal AI assistant with a twist, free and downloadable to anyone today.

Last updated 20 October 2026 00:37

Original sourceTechCrunch ↗