Instinct released Instinct Selections on September 30, 2026, saying it aims to provide personalized product suggestions in areas like dining, travel, and shopping. It is the company's first major feature update since its $1 billion Series C funding round in August 2026.
Instinct reported no specific financial figures for the feature, measured on user engagement metrics, but the company noted the feature is designed to complement its existing AI capabilities. That compares with its previous focus on chatbot interactions without product recommendations.
Instinct Selections is built on the company’s AI platform and targets users seeking curated recommendations in travel, dining, and home decor. Availability begins with the general public, initially for all users of the Instinct AI agent.
"The next time you’re looking for a restaurant, Instinct can pull from a list handpicked by chefs who know the hidden gems in your area," said Noah Shinn, founder of Instinct. The company aims to deliver world-class recommendations that are differentiated in quality from what users might find on the internet.
The announcement follows Instinct’s $1 billion Series C funding round in August 2026. The company has not yet said how many users actually use its product, a figure that would help justify its $10 billion valuation. The feature is seen as a potential avenue for monetization through advertising, commerce, or affiliate plays.
Instinct did not say whether it is currently making money from these recommendations or plans to, and users have raised concerns about the randomness and relevance of the suggestions. The company has not yet responded to these criticisms or outlined its next steps.
Source: techcrunch