Rosebud has raised $6 million in seed funding to enhance its AI-driven journaling app aimed at personal growth and self-reflection. Founded in 2023 by Chrys Bader and Sean Dadashi, the startup uses AI to analyze journal entries and deliver tailored insights, mimicking a human mentor.
Since its launch, users have logged over 500 million words and spent more than 30 million minutes in the app. The funding round was led by Bessemer Venture Partners, with contributions from notable investors like Tim Ferriss and Initialized Capital.
The app focuses on personalized coaching. As Bader explained, AI allows users to receive support styled to their individual preferences, whether they seek gentle validation or a straightforward challenge. The team emphasizes that they’re not here to replace therapists, but to democratize access to effective mentorship. 
“Everybody is different, and everyone has different languages, not just spoken languages, but different emotional language, different ways of communication,” Bader said.
“So one person might want validation and a soft approach, whereas somebody might want the really hard, like, ‘hey, challenge me, call me out on my BS’ approach,” he continued.
Rosebud is planning to expand its four-member team and enhance its proprietary memory technology, while also exploring partnerships with schools and businesses.
User data is encrypted and never shared with third parties, ensuring privacy. The app’s basic features are free, but users can upgrade to premium for $12.99 a month, unlocking long-term memory and voice features.
The app is available on the web, iOS, and Android. Looking ahead, Dadashi envisions a future where everyone has access to mentorship tailored to their lives.
“What if everybody had something that was looking out for what’s best for them? Or something that’s helping them become their best self? I think that’s the exciting thing that AI enables,” he said.
