AI companionship app Tolan raises $20M to help more people grow...
Colorful alien AI companions from Planet Portola help users gain confidence and agency.
Portola, the San Francisco-based startup behind the AI companionship app Tolan, has raised $20 million in Series A funding led by Khosla Ventures. The iOS app, launched in February, features colorful alien creatures from "Planet Portola" that are matched to users via a personality interview. The personalized AI learns and grows through conversation, offering companionship on topics from dinner ideas to exam prep. The company has already seen explosive traction: over 3 million downloads, more than 100,000 paying users, and $1 million in monthly recurring revenue. CEO Quinten Farmer, who previously sold fintech startup Even to Walmart for $300 million, leads the team along with CTO Evan Goldschmidt and President Ajay Mehta.
Tolan is designed to help users feel grounded and confident, with a focus on real-world impact beyond screen time. A study of 602 users found that those who use the app multiple times per week reported significant gains in agency and self-confidence. The app is monetized via subscription ($4.99/week, $10/month, or ~$70/year), and a free version is planned for later this month to capitalize on virality. Portola currently employs 12 people and is hiring engineering talent. Backers include Nat Friedman, Daniel Gross, Amjad Masad, Mike Krieger, and David Luan.
- Raised $20M Series A led by Khosla Ventures, following a $10M seed round.
- Over 3M downloads, 100K paid users, and $1M monthly revenue since February 2025 launch.
- Study of 602 users shows multiple weekly sessions correlate with significant emotional gains in agency and self-confidence.
Why It Matters
Tolan's rapid growth signals a shift toward personalized AI for emotional support and mental wellness.