Rosebud, an interactive AI-powered journaling app focused on fostering self-reflection and personal growth, has secured $6 million in seed funding. The startup plans to utilize this capital to enhance its technology, expand its team, accelerate marketing initiatives, and explore new partnership opportunities.
Launched in 2023, Rosebud harnesses artificial intelligence to evaluate journal entries, identify behavioral patterns, and provide personalized insights, prompts, and guidance tailored to individual users. According to the company, this approach facilitates deeper self-awareness, assists users in cultivating beneficial habits, and supports goal tracking with the same nuance as a human mentor.
Since its inception, the platform’s users have generated over 500 million words and engaged with Rosebud for more than 30 million minutes. Co-founders Chrys Bader, a seasoned entrepreneur and Y Combinator alum previously with the social app Secret, and Sean Dadashi, a cognitive scientist from UC Berkeley, conceived Rosebud during personal experiences with therapy and coaching.
In an interview, Bader emphasized AI’s unique capability for personalization, explaining that individual needs vary widely: some users prefer gentle encouragement and validation, while others seek clear and direct feedback. AI enables Rosebud to deliver a “highly customized coaching experience at scale,” a feat previously impossible to attain, he noted. Dadashi added that Rosebud’s vision revolves around providing every user with continuous mentorship and support uniquely adapted to individual challenges and life developments.
The company’s priority isn’t to replace traditional therapy; instead, Rosebud intends to broaden access to effective self-guidance and mentoring. With its recent financing, Rosebud plans to grow beyond its current four-person team, adding product and engineering expertise. Additionally, the startup intends to strengthen its proprietary “memory” technology, enhancing the AI’s ability to offer continuous, context-rich advice over time.
The seed funding round was led by Bessemer Venture Partners, with participation from 776, Initialized Capital, Fuel Capital, Avenir, investor and author Tim Ferriss, and several other investors.
Looking ahead, the founders envision Rosebud evolving into a versatile mentor, capable of forming long-term strategic plans to engage users throughout significant life milestones. As an example, a user about to enter parenthood could receive tailored journaling prompts and supportive content dealing specifically with this transformative experience.
Dadashi explained the broader appeal, noting that throughout his own life he’s benefited significantly from mentorship at critical points, and has felt the impact of its absence. “What excites me so much about AI,” Dadashi remarked, “is that it can allow millions to receive personalized guidance in a way that wasn’t ever feasible before. Our platform genuinely listens and understands users, gains insight into each unique situation, and actively supports individuals as they strive toward becoming their best selves.”
Rosebud’s basic journaling functions are available free of charge. A premium monthly subscription, priced at $12.99, unlocks advanced features such as extended AI memory, voice interactions, and call functionalities. The app is accessible via web and also through mobile platforms on iOS and Android.
