Rosebud Secures $6M to Enhance AI-Powered Personal Growth Journaling App

Rosebud has secured $6 million in seed funding to enhance its interactive AI journaling app, which aims to serve as a virtual mentor for self-reflection and personal growth. The app leverages advanced AI technologies to analyze users' journal entries, detect patterns over time, and offer personalized insights, questions, and advice. According to the company, Rosebud is designed to help individuals better understand themselves, form new habits, and track personal goals, similar to the support provided by a human mentor. Since its inception, Rosebud has seen significant user engagement, with over 500 million words journaled and more than 30 million minutes spent on the platform. This level of activity underscores the app's appeal to those seeking continuous personal development. Rosebud was founded in 2023 by Chrys Bader, a Y Combinator alum and co-founder of Secret, and Sean Dadashi, a graduate of UC Berkeley’s Cognitive Science program. The founders met at a men's group and developed the concept based on their collective experiences with therapy and coaching. “Everyone has unique ways of expressing emotions and communicating,” Bader explained in an interview with TechCrunch. “AI allows us to tailor our approach to each individual's needs. One person might benefit from a gentle, validating touch, while another prefers a more direct, challenging interaction. Our AI can adapt to these differences, providing the best possible support for each user.” The company emphasizes that Rosebud is not intended to replace therapists but rather to supplement and democratize access to quality mentorship. The new funding will be used to expand the current team of four, focusing on hiring additional engineering and product talent, and boosting marketing efforts. Furthermore, Rosebud plans to refine its proprietary memory technology and add more features to the app. In addition to these enhancements, Rosebud is exploring partnerships with educational institutions, businesses, and clinics to increase the app’s accessibility. These collaborations aim to bring personalized AI mentorship to a broader audience. The seed funding round was led by Bessemer Venture Partners, with contributions from 776, Initialized Capital, Fuel Capital, Avenir, Tim Ferriss, and other notable investors. Looking ahead, Bader and Dadashi envision Rosebud as a multifaceted tool that can engage users strategically over the long term. For example, if a user is expecting to become a father, Rosebud could generate personalized content and resources related to this significant life event. “In a world where everyone has access to a mentor that genuinely understands and supports them, the possibilities are endless,” Dadashi commented. “I’ve experienced the profound impact of mentorship at various points in my life, and I’ve also felt the absence of it. AI makes it possible to extend this kind of tailored support to everyone, helping them align with their aspirations and become the best versions of themselves.” Rosebud’s core journaling features are available free of charge, but the company offers a $12.99 monthly subscription to unlock premium functionalities, including long-term memory storage and voice and call modes. The AI journaling app is accessible via the web and on both iOS and Android platforms.