AI Agent Startup Instinct Raises $1 Billion in Series C Funding

Consumer AI agent startup Instinct has secured $1 billion in a Series C funding round, reaching a valuation of $10 billion. The round was backed by Sequoia Capital, Benchmark Capital, and Coatue. Launched in August 2026, the AI assistant performs tasks such as booking trips and paying bills via SMS. The company currently faces competition from Meta's AI assistant, Muse.