Summary:
Eugenia Kuyda, founder of popular AI companion platform Replika, is stepping down as CEO to launch new startup Wabi
The transition marks a significant move in the AI entrepreneurship landscape from an established founder
Replika gained fame for enabling users to create personalized AI-powered companions for emotional support and conversation
While details about Wabi remain limited, the announcement signals continued innovation in artificial intelligence applications
The move demonstrates how successful founders often leverage experience to explore new startup opportunities in evolving tech markets
From Replika to Wabi: Eugenia Kuyda's New AI Venture
Eugenia Kuyda, the visionary founder behind Replika - the popular AI companion platform - is stepping away from her CEO role to launch a new startup called Wabi. This move marks a significant transition in the AI entrepreneurship landscape.
Eugenia Kuyda, founder of Replika and Wabi. Michael Macor/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
The Transition from AI Companions to New Frontiers
Kuyda's departure from Replika comes after building one of the most recognized AI companion platforms in the market. Replika gained widespread attention for allowing users to create personalized AI-powered companions that could engage in meaningful conversations and provide emotional support.
While details about Wabi remain limited, the announcement signals Kuyda's continued commitment to pushing boundaries in the artificial intelligence space. The timing of this transition - October 2025 - suggests we're seeing the next evolution of AI entrepreneurship from one of the field's most prominent founders.
What This Means for the AI Startup Ecosystem
The move demonstrates how successful founders often leverage their experience to tackle new challenges in the startup world. Kuyda's background in creating emotionally intelligent AI systems positions her uniquely to explore new applications of generative AI and machine learning technologies.
This transition also highlights the dynamic nature of the tech entrepreneurship landscape, where innovation often comes from founders who aren't afraid to pivot and explore new opportunities, even after achieving significant success with previous ventures.
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