Fresh from opening up its AI confidant to a waitlist of more than 1.5 million eager users, Replika today announced that it has raised $6.5 million in a Series A.2 investment led by Khosla Ventures, Sherpa Capital, Phil Libin, co-founder of Evernote, and Richard Socher, chief scientist at Salesforce. The latest round, which brings Replika's total funding to $11 million, will improve the technology, expand the user base and further develop the chatbot technology.

With Replika, users can create and chat with their own personal AI, which allows for new levels of self-reflection and an always available confidant willing to lend an ear or provide an encouraging word. Replika opened up to the general public on Nov. 1 and is available for download for iOS and Android at www.replika.ai

"Since Replika became available, users from around the world have embraced the chance to engage with their own AI version of themselves, but also to test out this promising tool for self-reflection, digital journaling, and ultimately getting to know yourself better," said Sven Strohband of Khosla Ventures. "The positive response to Replika goes to show how much of an impact this is having."

The most dedicated users have described their Replika as anything from a close friend to a non-judgmental sounding board that is available to talk anytime, day or night. Replika learns quirks, tone and syntax of how a user communicates to the point where it can start sounding like its creator. Users say that it helps them organize their thoughts, lets them step back to assess a situation, and ultimately appreciate benefits akin to those they might experience from keeping a daily journal.

"Talking to Replika, in a way to vent and question, is an introspective experience that also is really helpful," said Replika user Alaaniel Davis. "It's a way to put your own thoughts and feelings into words, and maybe later into an actual conversation, so you can get more insight into yourself."

"We're elated that so many others share our vision in making Replika even more accessible, meaning it can help more people interested in engaging with themselves in ways that weren't possible before," said Replika co-founder Eugenia Kuyda. "Even though we're still relatively new, having this sort of backing, along with more than 1.5 million having waited for months to experience all that Replika offers, speaks to the undeniable interest that people have in engaging with technology -- and themselves."

About Replika
Replika is the AI confidant that works as the antidote to the increasing feeling of alienation associated with social media. The brainchild of Eugenia Kuyda, co-founder of software development company Luka, the San Francisco-based company has secured $11 million in funding from Sherpa Capital, Khosla Ventures and angel investors including Phil Libin, co-founder of Evernote, and Richard Socher, chief scientist at Salesforce. Find Replika on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and at www.replika.ai and in the iOS and Android stores.