Midjourney, the AI art generator, has acquired Co-Star, a popular astrology app with 4.3 million monthly active users. The deal marks Midjourney's first major acquisition and expansion beyond its core image and video generation tools.
TL;DR
- Midjourney acquires Co-Star, an astrology app with 4.3 million monthly users, to expand its product offerings.
- Co-Star's AI-driven approach to astrology complements Midjourney's existing AI tools.
- The acquisition brings Co-Star's 24 employees to Midjourney, with founder Banu Guler becoming Midjourney's chief design officer.
What happened
Midjourney, known for its AI-powered image and video generators, has acquired Co-Star, a social astrology app with an estimated 4.3 million monthly active users. The financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.
Co-Star uses a blend of AI and human writing to generate astrological content, including horoscopes and compatibility assessments. The app allows users to create and share their astrological birth charts with friends.
Following the acquisition, Co-Star's team of 24 employees has joined Midjourney. The acquisition marks Midjourney's first major expansion beyond its core AI art generation tools.
Why it matters
This acquisition allows Midjourney to diversify its product lineup and explore new applications of AI beyond image and video generation. It also brings Co-Star's unique blend of AI and human writing to Midjourney's portfolio.
For developers and startups, this deal highlights the growing trend of AI companies expanding into new verticals. It also demonstrates the potential for AI to enhance and personalize user experiences in areas like astrology.
For investors, the acquisition signals Midjourney's ambition to grow beyond its current offerings. It also underscores the value of AI-driven personalization and the potential for AI to disrupt traditional industries.
Key facts
- Co-Star has 4.3 million monthly active users, according to the company.
- The acquisition brings Co-Star's 24 employees to Midjourney.
- Co-Star founder Banu Guler will serve as Midjourney's chief design officer.
- Midjourney plans to launch an astrology-focused image generator following the acquisition.
- Midjourney is known for its AI-powered image and video generators, which are currently accessible only through its Discord server.
- Co-Star employs a blend of AI and human writing to generate astrological content.
- Midjourney CEO David Holz expressed excitement about the acquisition in a blog post, highlighting Guler's vision and the potential for AI to reveal humanity.
- Guler tweeted about the acquisition, stating that the deal represents a unique moment in history where AI can be used to enhance human experiences.
Context
This acquisition comes at a time when AI companies are increasingly looking to expand their product offerings and explore new applications of AI. It also highlights the growing trend of AI-driven personalization and the potential for AI to disrupt traditional industries.
Midjourney's acquisition of Co-Star is not the first instance of an AI company expanding into new verticals. For example, OpenAI, known for its language models, has also ventured into the gaming industry with its acquisition of the game development studio, Latitude.
The acquisition also underscores the growing importance of AI in the astrology industry. As more people turn to astrology for guidance and affirmation, AI-driven tools like Co-Star can provide personalized and accurate insights based on users' astrological data.