Cove's AI-Powered Team Joins Microsoft Following Startup Shut Down

Cove, an AI-powered collaboration board startup, has been acquired by Microsoft, prompting the closure of its services. Originally founded in late 2023 by former Google Maps engineers Stephen Chau, Andy Szybalski, and Mike Chu, Cove successfully raised $6 million in a seed round in early 2024, notably backed by Sequoia Capital and other investors. The tool was designed as an intelligent, infinite whiteboard that enhanced collaboration with AI-generated blocks for tasks such as trip planning. It offered extensive functionalities, including a built-in browser, PDF, and image support. Despite competing with established companies like Miro, TLDraw, and Kosmik, the Cove team will transition to Microsoft, where their innovative ideas will be developed further as part of Microsoft's AI initiatives. Users were informed that the service would end on April 1, including a refund of March subscriptions and a data migration process. In a blog post, Cove expressed its anticipation to expand their vision at Microsoft AI.