New startup ‘grouphug’ aims to power WhatsApp groups with AI
Veterans of the European startup landscape are set to reveal a new app on Tuesday, marking their emergence from stealth mode after successfully launching multiple consumer applications in the past. At first glance, Grouphug is a tool designed to create memes sourced from the archives of group WhatsApp conversations. Nonetheless, this conceals a broader strategy at work.
Felix Petersen, a prominent figure in the European B2C landscape, is at the helm of Group hug. He is known for his extensive experience as a founder, having previously developed the Amen and Plazes applications.
Currently, Grouphug allows users to export text from group WhatsApp chats and create humorous images based on that content.
This serves merely as a preview of what lies ahead. At the heart of this straightforward initiative to attract beta users lies an application operating in stealth mode. Petersen suggested to TechCrunch that the company is preparing to unveil a platform aimed at enhancing the value derived from WhatsApp groups through generative AI.
“We believe we have successfully deciphered the nuances of humour in artificial intelligence.” At this time, Grouphug is set to generate humour inspired by the events that transpired within the group. Transforming your WhatsApp conversations into memes is our speciality. “However, we have alternative plans for it,” he stated in an interview with TechCrunch. “In group chats, a significant portion of discussions unfolds in public forums such as Reddit or X.” However, the content shared within WhatsApp groups remains distinct from the public internet. That represents a significant opportunity.
A Berlin-based startup secured a pre-seed funding round of €1.5 million ($1.7 million), with Blueyard VC leading the investment. The round also saw participation from Tiny VC, Charles Songhurst, a board member at Meta, Atlantic Labs, and several other investors.
Petersen is now accompanied by Joseph Djenandji, who has recently departed from his prominent multi-channel travel brand, LostIn. Matthew Balazsi, the third founder, brings a decade of experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning to the team.
