Eugenia Kuyda, the prominent AI entrepreneur behind Replika, has officially announced her new venture called Wabi, marking a significant shift in her career trajectory. Kuyda, who quietly stepped down as Replika’s CEO at the start of 2025, revealed the new startup on Thursday, though she remains deeply connected to her original AI companion platform.
Wabi represents a departure from conversational AI into the realm of no-code app development. The platform will enable users to create their own mini-applications without any programming knowledge. “It’s a platform to discover, remix, and share, create mini apps for daily life,” Kuyda explained, though she remained tight-lipped about specific details, noting the product is currently in a “very close private beta.”
The startup currently operates with a lean team of 10 people and plans to launch publicly “soon.” Ludlow Ventures, which previously backed Replika, has listed Wabi as a portfolio company on its website, suggesting continued investor confidence in Kuyda’s vision. However, neither Ludlow Ventures nor Kuyda provided details about the startup’s funding status.
Kuyda described the concept as a “personal software platform,” and this vision was compelling enough to prompt her departure from the CEO role at Replika. Despite stepping down, Kuyda maintains significant involvement with Replika, continuing as founder and advisor while remaining the largest shareholder. Dmytro Klochko, Replika’s former COO, has succeeded her as chief executive.
“It’s my baby. I am the largest shareholder. It’s definitely my life’s work,” Kuyda said about Replika, emphasizing her ongoing commitment to the AI companion platform that has achieved remarkable scale with over 40 million users and $11 million in funding to date, according to PitchBook.
Replika’s journey hasn’t been without controversy. The AI companion app faced regulatory challenges, including a $5.6 million fine from Italy’s data protection agency for violating data protection rules. The platform also navigated a sensitive situation when it temporarily removed erotic messaging capabilities after users reported mental health crises, later restoring the feature. Kuyda has defended the app’s value, noting that most users are over 35 and that the platform can serve as a “stepping stone” to human relationships.
Key Quotes
It’s a platform to discover, remix, and share, create mini apps for daily life.
Eugenia Kuyda describing Wabi’s core functionality. This quote reveals the startup’s focus on democratizing app creation through a social, collaborative platform, though specific technical details remain under wraps during the private beta phase.
It’s my baby. I am the largest shareholder. It’s definitely my life’s work.
Kuyda discussing her continued connection to Replika despite stepping down as CEO. This statement emphasizes that her departure wasn’t a complete exit but rather a strategic move to pursue a new vision while maintaining oversight of her original AI companion platform.
We’ll tell a little bit more when we launch publicly. Right now, it’s a very close private beta.
Kuyda explaining Wabi’s current development stage. The secretive approach suggests the startup is still refining its product-market fit before a broader launch, a common strategy for consumer-facing technology platforms.
Our Take
Kuyda’s pivot to Wabi is fascinating because it suggests that even successful AI founders see limitations in single-purpose AI applications. While Replika achieved impressive scale with 40 million users, the regulatory headaches and content moderation challenges may have influenced her decision to explore a different model. The no-code space is increasingly crowded, but if Wabi incorporates AI to intelligently assist with app creation—perhaps using natural language processing or automated design suggestions—it could differentiate itself significantly. What’s particularly interesting is her dual role: maintaining strategic oversight of Replika while building something entirely new. This approach allows her to leverage insights from running a massive consumer AI platform while exploring how AI can empower users to become creators themselves, not just consumers of AI-powered experiences.
Why This Matters
Kuyda’s transition from Replika to Wabi represents an important evolution in AI entrepreneurship and signals broader trends in the industry. Her move from conversational AI companions to no-code app development suggests that successful AI founders are exploring how to democratize technology creation beyond specialized AI applications.
The announcement is particularly significant given Replika’s massive 40 million user base, demonstrating that Kuyda has proven expertise in building consumer-facing AI products at scale. Her new venture could leverage AI technologies to power the no-code platform, potentially making app creation more accessible to non-technical users.
Replika’s regulatory challenges in Europe also highlight the growing scrutiny of AI applications, particularly those involving personal relationships and data privacy. As AI becomes more intimate and personalized, companies face increasing pressure to balance innovation with user protection and regulatory compliance. Kuyda’s experience navigating these challenges positions her uniquely to build responsible AI-powered products in her new venture.
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Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/replika-ceo-eugenia-kuyda-launch-wabi-2025-10