First Voyage secures $2.5 million in funding for its AI assistant designed to support habit formation

Momo Self Care: A New Approach to Habit Building with AI

As AI-generated content becomes increasingly common, First Voyage has introduced an innovative solution to help individuals focus on meaningful self-improvement. Their app, Momo Self Care, features a virtual companion named Momo—a digital pet that encourages users to develop positive habits. By caring for Momo, users receive gentle reminders to complete their chosen tasks and routines.

Within the app, users can schedule reminders for various activities, and Momo will prompt them accordingly. Drawing inspiration from popular productivity tools like Focus Friend, Momo also offers a reward system: completing tasks earns coins, which can be spent on in-app items to personalize and accessorize the pet. Additionally, users can engage in conversations with Momo about self-care, and the AI will suggest habits and goals tailored to their aspirations.

“Momo empowers individuals to reach their full potential, and in return, users nurture Momo with attention, affection, and fun accessories,” shared Besart Çopa, co-founder and CEO, in an interview with TechCrunch.

First Voyage recently announced a successful seed funding round, securing $2.5 million from investors including a16z speedrun, SignalFire, and True Global.

Image Credits: First Voyage / Momo

According to Çopa, users have already created over two million tasks on the platform, with productivity, mindfulness, and spiritual growth ranking among the most common focus areas.

AI Companions: Promise and Precautions

With the rapid rise of AI-powered apps and digital companions—alongside well-known chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Grok—concerns are mounting about the potential downsides of these technologies.

Çopa believes that human-AI relationships will become even more prevalent in the coming years. He also points out that the trend toward AI tools supporting wellness and self-care is a positive shift compared to those that cater to less constructive interests.

“We’re encouraged to see so many entrepreneurs focusing on AI for self-care and wellness, rather than creating virtual romantic partners,” he remarked. “AI’s ability to personalize experiences will make these connections even more impactful.”

To ensure user safety, Momo incorporates features like prompt filters to keep conversations appropriate and within safe boundaries.

Looking Ahead

The new funding will support the launch of Momo on the Android platform, expanding beyond its current availability on iOS. The First Voyage team also aims to enhance Momo’s intelligence, making interactions even more engaging and helpful.

“Our vision is for Momo and its community to become a leading consumer brand, harnessing AI, animation, and gamification to enrich as many lives as possible,” Çopa stated.