Friend builds a thin, neck-worn device that connects to a user’s phone via Bluetooth and constantly listens so it can respond in-app or proactively send messages. The hardware features a walkie-talkie button to prompt replies and is marketed as an emotional companion rather than a productivity tool or therapist. The company positions the product as an “always listening” AI companion and says it does not store recordings and lets users delete texts at any time. Friend is taking preorders for a basic white version priced at $99, with shipments expected in January 2025. The device is the result of a pivot from an earlier $600 pendant called Tab, for which the founder took roughly $100,000 in preorders and is offering Tab preorders the option to convert to Friend or receive a refund. Financially, the startup has raised $2.5 million in funding at a reported $50 million valuation from a group of angel and early-stage investors.

Total raised

$3M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Jul 2024