Sara Du, the founder of a startup called Ando, created a new team messaging platform aimed at both humans and AI workers. She noticed that existing tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams were not well-suited for the growing role of AI agents in workplace communication. These platforms were originally designed for humans, and as AI became more integrated into daily workflows, they struggled to accommodate AI agents as active participants rather than just passive tools. Ando, which recently launched after operating in stealth mode, positions itself as a complete alternative to traditional messaging apps. The platform gives AI agents their own identities, inboxes, and the ability to join conversations, channels, and even live calls. AI agents can browse and participate in discussions without being explicitly tagged, and they can directly message humans when needed. The startup has raised $20 million in pre-seed and seed funding from prominent investors like Accel, Index Ventures, and Emergence. While major platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams have begun incorporating AI features, Du believes there is still a need for messaging apps specifically designed for AI agents. Early users of Ando were initially skeptical, finding the platform less polished than its competitors. However, engagement grew as users began to see the unique value of AI agents in managing conversations and making decisions more efficiently. Currently, Ando is working with teams in industries like software, real estate, and finance across 15 countries, though most of these teams are relatively small. The company plans to use its new funding to expand its team and increase the use of its platform’s token system. Du envisions a future where AI agents allow small teams to operate at a scale previously only possible with much larger groups, handling tasks like execution, research, and coordination while humans focus on strategic and judgment-based tasks.