TechCrunch Startup News Manychat taps $140M to boost its business messaging platform with AI
Apr 23, 2025
ManyChat just snagged $140 million to ramp up its AI-powered business messaging platform. The shift from traditional email marketing to messaging solutions is reshaping how businesses connect with consumers. With a focus on social messaging platforms like Instagram, ManyChat stands out by enhancing user interactions. Exciting future AI integrations are in the pipeline to further elevate conversion rates, making the world of chatbots more useful and less dystopian.
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ManyChat's Origin Story
- Mike Yan and Anton Gorin created ManyChat inspired by Telegram's open APIs and their shift away from email marketing.
- They built ManyChat initially for Telegram and gained traction through the 500 Startups Accelerator program.
Messaging Apps Beat Email
- Messaging apps are the new frontier for business communication, surpassing email in engagement.
- ManyChat thrives on platforms like Instagram, where user activity and engagement are highest.
Engagement Drives Conversion
- ManyChat's key strength is blending automation with personalized engagement to encourage customer actions.
- Most AI chatbots focus on general conversation, not revenue-driving personalized interactions like ManyChat.