signalTechCrunch AI2026-09-25
Ando wants to take on Slack with a team messaging app that lets humans and agents work together
Ando, a startup founded by Sara Du, has emerged from stealth with a team messaging platform designed for both human and AI agents, aiming to replace Slack. The app gives agents identities, inboxes, and the ability to join conversations, transcribe calls, and message humans directly. Ando has raised $20 million in pre-seed and seed funding from Accel, Index Ventures, and Emergence.
- for who
- Companies using AI agents for internal communication and team coordination.
- why now
- Ando exited stealth Thursday, raising $20M for an AI-native Slack replacement.
- what changes
- AI agents shift from being tools installed into existing platforms to active participants with their own identities and agency in workplace conversations.
- to do
- Evaluate Ando as a potential Slack replacement for teams that rely on AI agents, focusing on agent-native collaboration.
key points
- Ando raised $20M from Accel, Index Ventures, and Emergence
- Agents get identities, inboxes, and can join conversations unprompted
- Founder Sara Du says agents can manage people better than humans
#ai agent#team collaboration#funding3 sources · confidence medium
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