Marissa Mayer’s new startup Dazzle raises $8M led by Forerruner’s Kirsten Green (techcrunch.com)

Marissa Mayer, the former Yahoo CEO, has launched a new startup called Dazzle, focusing on developing the next generation of AI personal assistants. After closing her previous venture, Sunshine, which struggled to gain traction, Mayer secured an $8 million seed round led by venture capitalist Kirsten Green of Forerunner Ventures, valuing the company at $35 million. Green’s involvement is particularly noteworthy as she has a strong track record in identifying promising consumer brands, indicating that Dazzle could be well-positioned for success in the burgeoning consumer-focused AI sector. Dazzle aims to learn from the challenges faced by Sunshine, which Mayer described as tackling issues that were “too mundane.” With Dazzle, she envisions a product that could have a far larger impact, reflecting her aspiration to replicate the transformative influence she had at Google. Although specific details about Dazzle's features remain under wraps, the startup is expected to emerge from stealth mode early next year, potentially setting the stage for innovative advancements in AI personal assistants. Mayer's return to the tech spotlight, combined with strategic investment from recognized venture firms, suggests that Dazzle may play a significant role in shaping future AI applications.