Tech executive foresees billion-dollar boom for 'AI girlfriends'
Greg Isenberg, a former WeWork executive, has predicted the rise of a billion-dollar industry centered around AI companions or "AI girlfriends." This forecast was inspired by a young man who spends $10,000 monthly on chatbots that simulate relationships. Isenberg believes this market could be monetized similarly to how Match Group has successfully dominated the dating app industry. "The market cap for Match Group is $9B. Someone will build the AI-version of Match Group and make $1B+," he wrote on X.
User's passion for AI companions sparks industry speculation
Isenberg was surprised by the young man's dedication to his AI companions, expressing, "I thought he was kidding. But, he's a 24-year-old single guy who loves it." The young man compared his interaction with his AI girlfriends to others' enjoyment of video games. He communicates with them through voice notes and personalizes their preferences, which accounts for his significant expenditure on these services.
AI companion platforms offer unique interaction opportunities
The young man highlighted two platforms: Candy.ai and Cupid.ai. These platforms provide explicit chatting options that are typically limited on other apps. He likened his use of multiple platforms to the habits of dating app users, saying, "It's kinda like dating apps. You're not on only one." This suggests a potential for diverse AI companion services in the market.
Mixed reactions to the emergence of AI companions
Responses to Isenberg's prediction varied widely. One comment read, "The girlfriend Singularity is here," while another warned, "This will be someone you know soon, although they may not admit it." Isenberg himself acknowledged the unconventional nature of this trend in his post on X, stating that "things are about to get pretty weird."
