Emergent has launched Wingman, a new personal AI agent designed to compete with OpenClaw by executing multi-step tasks through messaging platforms like WhatsApp, iMessage, Gmail, and Slack.

Key Points

• Wingman functions as an autonomous assistant with its own phone number and email, allowing users to delegate tasks like scheduling and research.
• The startup, founded by Mukund and Madhav Jha, reported an annual run rate of $100 million and serves over 8 million users.
• Security features include mandatory authentication, restricted default permissions, and a human-in-the-loop review process for outgoing communications.
• Emergent raised $70 million in Series B funding from investors including Khosla Ventures and SoftBank Vision Fund 2.
• The product utilizes the company's background in "vibe-coding" to perform tasks by writing code, aiming for higher quality outcomes than existing competitors.

Why it Matters

The launch of Wingman intensifies the competition among AI startups and major tech labs to dominate the personal agent market. By prioritizing security and code-based task execution, Emergent is attempting to differentiate its product in a rapidly growing sector where user trust and reliability remain critical challenges.