Veterans from Europe’s startup arena who have previously launched successful consumer apps have partially emerged from stealth mode to introduce their latest venture, Grouphug. At first glance, Grouphug appears as a simple mobile app designed to create humorous memes generated directly from conversations within group WhatsApp chats. However, beneath this seemingly straightforward concept lies a broader strategic initiative built around generative artificial intelligence technology.
Grouphug is led by Felix Petersen, a seasoned entrepreneur widely recognized for creating consumer-driven products like Amen and Plazes. Petersen explained that the app currently serves as a demonstration to recruit early users, allowing participants to export WhatsApp dialogue and instantly convert these interactions into entertaining memes.
Yet, Petersen assured that what users currently see represents only the tip of the iceberg for the platform’s ambitions. He disclosed upcoming plans involving the use of generative AI to unlock deeper value from private WhatsApp group exchanges. “We believe we’ve cracked AI-driven humor,” Petersen stated. “Right now, Grouphug creates jokes out of personal conversations in groups and translates those into memes. But there’s much more coming.”
Pointing out a notable market opportunity, Petersen highlighted the contrast between public platforms such as Reddit or X, where content is openly indexed and searchable, and private WhatsApp groups, whose content remains hidden from broader access. Grouphug intends to tap into the vast, unseen potential of these private exchanges to deliver unique AI-driven experiences.
The company recently secured a pre-seed financing round of €1.5 million ($1.7 million), which was led by Blueyard VC, a Berlin-based venture capital firm. Investors included Tiny VC, Charles Songhurst—who serves as a board member at Meta—Atlantic Labs, along with several other backers.
Joining Petersen on the founding team are Joseph Djenandji, previously known for successfully exiting the multi-channel travel brand LostIn, and Matthew Balazsi, an expert in artificial intelligence with a decade of machine learning experience behind him.
