Superhuman acquires YC-backed notetaker Fathom as productivity platforms push for agentic work
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Superhuman is acquiring Y Combinator-backed notetaker Fathom instead of building its own notetaker, as AI productivity platforms push toward agentic work. The idea is that AI could proactively start tasks using topics and action items discussed in meetings, beyond waiting for user prompts. Founded in 2020, Fathom has raised over $30 million and was valued at $94 million in 2024, per PitchBook; investors include Zoom Apps Fund, Telescope Partners, BoxOne Ventures, and Maven Ventures, plus individuals like Steve Huffman, Emmett Shear, and Kyle Vogt. Fathom's generous free plan has drawn more than 400,000 monthly active users, and the company says over 1 million people have recorded meetings. TechCrunch learned Superhuman tested an internal notetaker with select users earlier this year but chose to acquire a finished product to integrate with its AI-centered productivity suite. CEO Shishir Mehrotra said the internal testing boosted confidence in demand and revealed how difficult it is to build a great notetaker covering all parts of meeting recording. Competition is intense, with Granola, Read AI, and Wispr raising millions, and venture-backed notetakers facing pressure to offer more than notetaking. Fathom CEO Richard White said Superhuman's 40 million user base provides distribution at scale, and Superhuman can use meeting context to draft emails, update data, schedule follow-ups, and have AI agents start work and extract insights.
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