Slingshot AI Launches Therapy Chatbot Ash

Earlier this year, Andreessen Horowitz announced its backing of Slingshot AI, a startup with a groundbreaking ambition to create “the world’s first foundation model for psychology.” However, Slingshot had remained relatively quiet until now, officially unveiling its core product: a therapy chatbot named Ash.

Initially explored by approximately 50,000 beta users, Ash has been featured in various media, but it is now available for public use. In conjunction with its launch, Slingshot has secured over $50 million in additional funding, led by investors Radical Ventures and Forerunner Ventures, bringing the company’s total financing to $93 million.

Founded around 18 months ago by CEO Daniel Cahn, an AI engineer, and Neil Parikh, of Casper mattress fame, Slingshot is poised to make significant strides in mental health tech. The distinctive feature of Ash lies in its training model, which is based on actual therapeutic conversations, setting it apart from traditional chatbots.

This innovative approach aims to provide more relevant and empathetic interactions, addressing the complex emotional needs of users. By leveraging real-life dialogues in therapy as a training resource, Ash is designed to deliver supportive responses that better resonate with individuals seeking mental health assistance.

With an increased focus on mental health solutions during the pandemic and ongoing societal challenges, the launch of Ash represents a timely opportunity to enhance accessibility to mental health support through AI-driven technologies.