Nearly every demonstration of AI tools features a user engaging with the assistant to arrange travel, which appears to be the most common application. The popular Instinct agent is no exception, as over 50% of transactions on the platform relate to travel, according to the company’s founder, Noah Shinn, during a recent podcast.

In a discussion with investor Patrick O’Shaughnessy, Shinn also indicated that the invite-only platform is nearing a billion dollars in yearly transactions. However, he did not clarify the methodology behind this figure.

“Individuals who are not utilizing Instinct rely on travel agencies (or websites) to reserve hotels or flights. What is the advantage of that interface? They effectively consolidate various hotel brands, airlines, and services, presenting them attractively for users, who can opt for immediate checkout,” Shinn stated.

“I believe there is a superior experience with Instinct or similar interfaces where users can say ‘Hey, I urgently need to be in New York tonight.’”

He noted that the platform is experiencing a daily growth of 10%, with transaction volume rising at a comparable pace.

The founder has also referenced several of his comments from the podcast. He remarked that most dining establishments operate on a first-come, first-served reservation basis, which fails to consider occasions of significance. He mentioned that an agent could monitor restaurant sites every five seconds and notify the user about available reservations. Shinn also suggested that the company aims to transform reservations and provide users with preferential treatment.

“If you begin with restaurant reservations from the user’s perspective, they desire the reservation for a notable life event they may have. From the restaurant’s perspective, they are interested in attracting engaging guests. They wish to focus on special occasions rather than, perhaps, the local individual who consistently occupies a table without any special event,” Shinn said.

Some analysts have mentioned that agents might fabricate stories about anniversaries and special events just to secure a table at a dining location. They also noted that certain restaurants favor local customers as they are regulars and contribute more to their business.

Instinct recently secured $1 billion in Series C funding on Monday, achieving a $10 billion valuation from Sequoia Capital, Benchmark Capital, and Coatue. The 14-member startup is vying against Meta’s Muse and Khosla-backed Wajo in the personal agent market.