Meet Shapes, the app bringing humans and AI into the same group chats

Shapes, a groundbreaking application that facilitates group conversations between humans and AI characters, has officially launched with an impressive $8 million in seed funding. Imagine a platform similar to Discord, yet enriched with AI companions engaging alongside users in vibrant discussions. Founded in 2022 by Anushk Mittal and Noorie Dhingra, Shapes boasts over 400,000 monthly active users. The creators aim to tackle the phenomenon known as "AI Psychosis," which can occur when individuals spend too much time interacting with AI, leading to potential delusions or paranoia. By integrating AI into everyday group interactions, Shapes seeks to promote more meaningful human connections rather than isolating users in one-on-one AI chats. "Currently, our conversations with AI are largely private, but that’s not how we naturally communicate as humans," Mittal explained in an interview with TechCrunch. "Our social interactions predominantly happen in group chats, where we share, discuss, and collaborate. It makes sense to include AI in these conversations, where it can contribute contextually and assist users." In Shapes, AI characters, called "Shapes," are treated like any other participant in the chat. They are distinctly marked for clarity, allowing transparency while interacting freely. So far, users have created three million unique Shapes, many of which reflect various fandoms, enabling fans to engage deeply with their interests and connect with like-minded individuals. Upon signing up, users select their interests, enabling the app to suggest relevant group chats. While skeptics may question the necessity of AI in group discussions, Mittal and Dhingra argue that one reason group chats often fizzle out is that participants hesitate to initiate conversations. Shapes addresses this concern by empowering AI agents to kick off discussions, ensuring that interactions remain lively and engaging. Users can trust that their messages will always be acknowledged, as Shapes' AI is designed to respond promptly. Unlike traditional AI companions that need to be prompted, Shapes' AI has the autonomy to initiate messages at will. Although ChatGPT also allows for human-AI conversations in group settings, Shapes focuses on fostering social and community-oriented interactions with AI characters featuring diverse personalities. Recognizing that not everyone is inclined to incorporate AI into their chats, the app targets a specific audience of users who thrive in online environments. "Shapes is fundamentally about human interactions," Mittal stated. "We see it as an evolved chat application rather than just an AI tool. Our primary demographic consists of individuals who are deeply engaged online and eager to share their passions, with AI serving as a facilitator in these dynamic dialogues." The app's user base has surged significantly, reportedly increasing sixfold since the beginning of the year, with many users dedicating two to four hours daily to the platform. With the recent funding, Shapes plans to enhance its development efforts and expand its user acquisition strategies. The investment round was spearheaded by Lightspeed, with contributions from AI Capital Partners, AI Grant, and various angel investors.