A new startup called Poke is aiming to make AI agents accessible to everyday consumers by delivering them through familiar messaging platforms including iMessage, SMS, Telegram, and WhatsApp in select markets — no app download required. The company launched publicly in early 2025, positioning itself as a more accessible alternative to complex AI agent platforms that typically require technical setup or dedicated applications.
Poke's core pitch is simplicity: users interact with AI agents the same way they would send a text message to a friend. The service can handle a range of tasks on a user's behalf, from scheduling and research to shopping and reminders, all through conversational messaging interfaces that billions of people already use daily.
The startup enters a crowded but rapidly evolving AI agent market, competing with offerings from major technology companies as well as a growing number of well-funded startups. What differentiates Poke, according to the company, is its focus on removing friction — by meeting users on platforms they already have installed rather than requiring them to adopt new software.
The broader AI agent space has seen significant investment and consumer interest heading into 2026, as companies race to move beyond simple chatbots toward systems capable of taking autonomous actions. Poke's messaging-first approach represents one bet on how mainstream consumers will ultimately prefer to interact with these emerging tools.
