Can generative AI replace the need for a social circle? A California-based startup called Bigfoot, focused on discovering local experiences, has introduced a conversational interface to its weekend planner website. The addition of an AI chatbot named Littlefoot, launched recently, aims to provide a more personalized experience for users looking for activities in their neighborhood.
Co-founder Alex Ward describes the goal as recreating the experience of chatting with a knowledgeable friend.
Littlefoot allows users to engage with Bigfoot’s curated collection of local events, activities, and nightlife through interactive text conversations. Users can receive personalized recommendations for weekend activities such as hikes, meals, and entertainment, making the planning process more efficient and enjoyable.
While similar concepts exist in the market, Bigfoot aims to differentiate itself by focusing on local leisure experiences rather than travel-related activities. The startup has received initial funding and has established a pipeline of over 10,000 events in 160 cities.
The AI chatbot, powered by advanced language models from companies like Anthropic, OpenAI, and Perplexity, represents a revamped version of Bigfoot’s platform. The team is working on enhancing the tool’s capabilities to offer users a unique and engaging experience.
To ensure the success of their venture, Bigfoot’s team is actively seeking additional funding to expand their platform and provide more value to users. The ultimate goal is to create a comprehensive local discovery platform that benefits both users and businesses.
By leveraging AI technology and curated data sources, Bigfoot aims to deliver relevant and interesting recommendations to its users. The startup is constantly improving its supply pipeline to offer a diverse range of activities and events.
Despite facing competition from general-purpose chatbots and search engines, Bigfoot believes there is a niche for high-quality local recommendations. The team is focused on refining their product to offer a seamless user experience.
As they continue to innovate and iterate on their product, Bigfoot hopes to establish itself as a go-to platform for weekend planning and local discovery.
