Persona
Persona is a personal AI assistant that operates directly within Apple's iMessage, letting users interact with their AI by simply texting a phone number—no separate app or download required. The platform prioritizes privacy with SOC 2 Type I certification, AES-256 encryption for all data at rest, and a strict policy of never selling or trading user data. It also offers Persona Band, a wearable device for accessing personal intelligence from the wrist, available for pre-order with shipping in December 2026.
- AI Agents
- Artificial Intelligence
- Software Only
- Hardware
- Consumer Electronics
Funding
Raised to date
$10MRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
across 1 round
CGCL$10M · Seed
Announced Oct 2026 · from article date
Disclosed cumulative: $10M
Founders
Founder details are not available yet.
Product
Problem
Most AI assistants require users to navigate separate apps or web dashboards, fragmenting the user experience and limiting accessibility. Additionally, many AI platforms collect and monetize user data, raising significant privacy concerns for individuals seeking personalized intelligence.
Solution
Persona delivers a personal AI assistant that lives directly inside iMessage, enabling users to interact with their AI through text messages without leaving their preferred messaging platform. The system is designed to be intuitive—users simply send a text to get started. Persona also offers Persona Band, a wearable device that brings personal intelligence to the wrist for on-the-go access. The platform is built with security and privacy at its core, holding SOC 2 Type I certification, encrypting all data with AES-256 at rest, and committing to never selling or trading user information. Users maintain full control, including the ability to permanently delete their data—"Gone means gone, on our servers too."
Target Audience
Persona targets individual consumers who want a private, accessible AI assistant integrated into their daily messaging workflow, as well as tech-savvy users interested in wearable AI technology.
Features
- Native iMessage integration that requires no additional apps or downloads for core functionality—users text +1 (310) 290-5912 to begin
- Persona Band wearable device for accessing personal intelligence from the wrist, available for pre-order with shipping in December 2026
- AES-256 envelope encryption for all data at rest, with each record getting its own key and a master key kept separate from the data
- SOC 2 Type I certified security practices, independently audited by outside auditors
- ESOF verified and secured infrastructure
- TLS encryption for all data in transit
- Full user data deletion capability with one-tap export or wipe capabilities for a task, a day, or all data
- Explicit commitment to never selling or trading user data to advertisers, data brokers, or anyone else