Former Pinterest team redesigns email with Extra — and it’s actually good

In a world where emails often feel overwhelming and uninviting, a new player is stepping in to transform the way we manage our inboxes. Founded by a team of former Pinterest designers and engineers, BuildForever has launched Extra—an email application that redefines traditional email management by prioritizing simplicity and user experience. Gone are the days of subject lines, folders, and tags, as Extra introduces a fresh take on the concept of an inbox. Instead of a cluttered interface, users are greeted with a "Today" tab that showcases an actionable overview of important emails and tasks. This feature updates in real time, ensuring that the most critical information is always at your fingertips. Emails are smartly categorized into custom tabs that reflect the user’s life, making it easier to navigate everything from family events to travel plans and finances. The inspiration behind Extra stems from a personal struggle faced by co-founder and CEO Naveen Gavini. Having previously managed a chaotic inbox, he realized that the traditional email structure often led to important messages getting lost in the shuffle. "I was a religious inbox zero person at work, but my personal email was overwhelming," Gavini shared. This led to the creation of Extra, which aims to solve the structural issues inherent in conventional email systems. While the application employs artificial intelligence to enhance its functionality, the team has made it clear that Extra isn’t just another AI-driven tool. "We’re focused on solving real user problems rather than labeling ourselves as an AI app," Gavini explained. The underlying AI technology works quietly in the background, learning and organizing users’ inboxes without complicating the experience. Extra’s layout begins with the "Today" view, allowing users to see what requires their attention at a glance. Action items are treated like a to-do list, with features that help predict next steps and streamline tasks. Beneath these urgent items, users will find non-urgent but informative updates, such as order confirmations and curated news highlights. The app also includes sections dedicated to managing subscriptions and events, making it easier for users to stay on top of their schedules and interests. The integration of a "Shop" tab reimagines how shopping-related emails are presented, transforming them into a visually appealing storefront that encourages engagement. Currently, Extra is available through a waitlist for iOS and web users, with beta testers reporting significant reductions in unwanted emails. The company has ambitious plans for future expansion, potentially extending its innovative design philosophy to other consumer applications like messaging and calendars. With $9.5 million in seed funding and backing from notable investors, Extra is poised to challenge the status quo of email management, proving that with the right approach, managing your inbox can be a delightful experience. Extra is free to use, with plans for monetization in later stages, ensuring that users can enjoy a streamlined email experience without financial barriers.