Genie is a new app-based chatbot created by Darius Monsef, a startup veteran from Portland. The app serves as a friendly, positive voice on the internet that can be harsh for kids. With the goal of helping kids have a better, more fun life, Genie acts as a teacher, motivational coach, creative assistant, storyteller, game companion, and more. The app is specifically designed to unlock fun, creative play, and friendship for kids. Genie is backed by OpenAI’s platform and uses moderation tools to ensure the safety and appropriateness of the messages exchanged within the app.
Genie’s co-founders, Darius Monsef and Asa Miller, previously worked together at Brave Care, a pediatric health startup. Following their experience at Brave Care, they decided to team up again and work on building a product for kids. Genie is primarily targeted at children in the 8-10 age range, with adults who signed up for their kids also engaging with the app. The app provides a safe and joyful space for kids to interact, similar to how Disneyland is made for kids but enjoyed by people of all ages. With an emphasis on promoting the overall health and well-being of children, Genie encourages real-life experiences and activities rather than constant digital engagement.
During a beta release, Genie was found to be most engaging for children in the 8-10 age range. While the primary focus is on providing a positive and enriching experience for kids, adults also find value in using the app. The goal is not to replace real-life interactions but to supplement them with safe and educational digital experiences. Genie encourages children to try new things, learn new skills, and engage in productive activities while ensuring that their well-being is prioritized. The app provides a platform for interactive storytelling, games, learning, and creativity.
Genie is built on OpenAI’s platform, utilizing its moderation tools to check messages for any inappropriate content. The app aims to create a safe and fun environment for kids to explore and engage with and ensure that their interactions are appropriate and positive. The co-founders of Genie raised $650,000 in pre-seed funding from various investors, including Liquid2, Garry Tan, and Immad Akhun. The startup is also part of the latest Y Combinator cohort, marking Monsef’s third time participating in the accelerator program. With a focus on enhancing the digital experiences of children while promoting their overall well-being, Genie aims to become a valuable tool in every household.
As a parent concerned about her child’s screen time and internet usage, the author downloaded Genie for her 11-year-old daughter, Kate, to try. Kate found the app easy to use and engaged with various features like AI-generated jokes, storytelling, math problems, learning French, and discussing educational topics. While she expressed that she might not use the app daily, Kate appreciated Genie’s ability to help with homework and language learning. Additionally, she noted that she would reach out to Genie for conversation or entertainment when her human friends were unavailable. This experience highlighted the potential of AI-powered apps like Genie to supplement traditional learning and entertainment activities for children of various ages.
