TL;DR:
- Shelpful, a company blending AI with human support, has secured a $3 million Seed investment from Apollo Projects led by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI.
- Shelpful offers AI Productivity Assistant (HabitGPT) and real-human Accountability Coaches (Shelpers) to help individuals build lasting habits and manage daily tasks.
- It resonates well with adults with ADHD, those in life transitions, parents, and students, providing motivation and guidance.
- Members can tackle 3-4 habits at once, improving health, hygiene, mindset, home care, self-care, creative pursuits, career goals, and time management.
- HabitGPT, operating on WhatsApp, proactively manages tasks, offers recommendations, and provides emotional support.
- The hybrid offering combines AI and human accountability, enhancing warmth and effectiveness.
- Shelpful memberships start at $10 per week, with a 1-week free trial and a limited-time 50% discount.
- Shelpful plans to enhance AI capabilities, offer advanced reporting, explore AI-hosted Accountability Groups, and partner with professional coaches.
Main AI News:
Shelpful, the innovative company at the intersection of artificial intelligence and human empathy, has successfully secured a $3 million Seed investment from Apollo Projects, led by Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI. This strategic investment injection will power Shelpful’s mission to empower individuals in their endeavors, assisting them in cultivating enduring habits that contribute to their overall well-being, happiness, and self-care.
Shelpful offers its members a choice between two compelling options: an AI Productivity Assistant known as HabitGPT and a dedicated real-human Accountability Coach known as a Shelper, or the unique combination of both within a 3-way chat. Shelpful is designed to provide timely nudges, follow-ups on tasks, and a platform for members to express themselves. Whether it’s a simple reminder like taking medication, gentle encouragement to incorporate more movement and stretching into their daily routine, or fostering mindfulness through AI-generated gratitude and journaling prompts, Shelpful has the solution.
This groundbreaking service is a lifeline for individuals feeling overwhelmed and struggling to maintain consistency in their daily lives. It has resonated particularly well with adults dealing with ADHD, those navigating significant life transitions such as relocation or career changes, as well as parents and students. Shelpful’s value lies in its ability to offer additional motivation and guidance, making it a powerful tool for personal growth.
Early results show that Shelpful members have been successful in managing 3-4 habits simultaneously, thanks to the support provided by the service. Some of the notable achievements include:
- Enhancing health-related habits such as regular exercise, mindful eating, and medication adherence.
- Elevating hygiene practices can be especially important for the neurodivergent community.
- Cultivating a positive mindset through daily affirmations, gratitude prompts, and motivational quotes.
- Improving home care routines, including cleaning, organizing, and pet care.
- Prioritizing self-care activities like meditation, hygiene routines, and self-reflection.
- Fostering creativity with prompts for journaling and creative endeavors.
- Advancing career goals and side hustles, from job searches to pursuing supplementary income or education.
- Efficiently managing to-do lists, from routine chores to tracking work hours.
- Optimizing time management through key reminders for focused work and relaxation.
AI Productivity Assistant (HabitGPT): Revolutionizing Personal Productivity
Shelpful’s flagship offering, the AI Productivity Assistant known as HabitGPT, has gained immense popularity. Operating via WhatsApp, HabitGPT serves as an interactive task manager that proactively engages with members to keep them on track. It initiates conversations, checks and updates to-do lists, sends personalized reminders, and offers valuable recommendations based on OpenAI’s GPT-4 capabilities. Members can seek advice and suggestions, whether it’s a recipe, podcast recommendation, or a comprehensive meal plan for the week. HabitGPT also provides round-the-clock support for members who need to vent, offering a surprisingly warm and supportive presence.
Hybrid Offering: Bridging AI and Human Accountability
For those seeking the utmost in accountability and support, Shelpful’s hybrid offering combines the AI prowess of HabitGPT with the human touch of a Shelper. Members in this tier enjoy the benefits of both worlds, with their Shelper joining them in a group chat alongside HabitGPT. They commence their journey with a Zoom meeting to align on goals and dive into immediate action with HabitGPT’s continuous support. Shelpers check in every 1-2 days to monitor progress, celebrate achievements, and provide gentle guidance when needed. This hybrid approach adds a layer of warmth and accountability that surpasses what AI can offer on its own.
All Human – Your Personal Accountability Coach via SMS
For those who prefer exclusively human accountability, Shelpful introduces the “All Human” option, where a dedicated Shelper assists in staying on top of tasks and goals. There’s no substitute for the accountability and dedication of a real person who ensures that commitments are met. Shelpers are exceptionally empathetic, meticulous note-takers, and skilled at follow-ups, engaging in text exchanges with members from Monday to Friday. They listen, strategize, and make the journey toward achieving tasks, both big and small, a shared endeavor. It’s important to note that this option is currently available exclusively in the U.S. via SMS.
Sharon Pope, CEO and co-founder of Shelpful, shares her personal motivation behind the service: “This service was born out of my own need for it. I struggled with undiagnosed ADHD for years while juggling a career and motherhood. I felt like I was always there for everyone else but myself. With Shelpful, we blend the warmth of human support with the depth of AI. Having a genuine, caring person invested in your success makes all the difference, and we aim to usher in a new era of human support in an AI-driven world.”
The Shelpful founding team is a dynamic combination of long-time friends and former colleagues from the tech industry. Sharon Pope, a seasoned startup veteran and former in-house marketing advisor to Y Combinator companies, joined forces with her college friend Lydia Swift, a public relations executive specializing in Microsoft products. Chris Morse, another co-founder, previously collaborated with Sharon at a Y Combinator-backed startup, and he transitioned from his role on Amazon’s Alexa team to be a part of the Shelpful journey.
Unlock Your Potential with Shelpful Memberships
Shelpful offers memberships starting with a free 1-week trial, with subscription prices starting at $10 USD per week. As a special holiday treat, Shelpful is offering a limited-time 50% discount for the first 3 months, with no long-term commitment and a money-back guarantee. To embark on your journey towards improved habits and enhanced productivity, visit shelpful.com.
The company is committed to continuously enhancing its AI capabilities, aiming to provide smarter, faster, and more intuitive services. Upcoming features include advanced habit and task completion reporting, as well as the exploration of AI-hosted Accountability Groups. Shelpful is also eager to establish partnerships with professional coaches, augmenting their existing coaching services and delivering a comprehensive approach to personal development and well-being.
Conclusion:
Shelpful’s successful investment and unique blend of AI and human support reflect a growing market need for personalized productivity and habit-building solutions. Their holistic approach, combining technology with empathy, positions them well in an AI-driven world, where individuals seek effective ways to improve their daily routines and well-being. This investment signifies a strong interest in the convergence of AI and human assistance in the market.
