India’s First AI Bestie WTMF Set to Launch Beta: A New Era of Emotional Intelligence Begins

Hyderabad-based Knockverse Private Limited is preparing to launch the beta version of its groundbreaking emotional support AI companion, WTMF — short for What’s The Matter, Friend? — between late August and early September 2025. Positioned as India’s first culturally fluent AI bestie, WTMF is designed to offer empathetic, judgment-free companionship to users navigating emotional stress, loneliness, or simply seeking a safe space to talk.

Unlike traditional mental health apps or productivity-focused chatbots, WTMF is built to listen, not fix. It understands the emotional nuances of Indian users, responds in Hinglish, and is being trained to expand into regional languages. The beta rollout will begin with chat functionality, while additional features like AI journaling, mood tracking, and voice calling are expected by the end of September.

Key Highlights from the Beta Launch

- Beta version to go live between late August and early September 2025  
- Initial features include emotional support chat with empathetic responses  
- Upcoming additions: AI journaling, mood tracking, and voice calling  
- Designed for Gen Z and digital-first users seeking emotional presence  
- Over 3,000 users already signed up for early access  

Origin and Vision

WTMF was born from lived experience — long nights, heavy thoughts, and the absence of someone to talk to. Co-founders Kruthivarsh Koduru and Shreyak Singh envisioned a platform that could bridge the gap between emotional need and digital companionship. Koduru, a psychology graduate, leads product and emotional design, while Singh brings entrepreneurial experience from Flashoot, a reel-making aggregator platform recently valued at Rs 22 crore.

The founding team also includes Aman Singh, a mobile engineering lead from Parul University, and Vikas KV, a business strategist with an MSc from the University of York. Together, they aim to redefine how Indians experience emotional support through AI.

What Makes WTMF Different

- Responds to culturally specific phrases like mood off hai and uff yaar  
- Built to feel like a best friend, not a therapist or assistant  
- Offers presence and empathy without toxic positivity or robotic advice  
- Privacy-first design ensures safe and judgment-free interactions  
- Future versions to support multilingual conversations across Indian languages  

Feature Breakdown

1. Emotional Support Chat  
   Users can engage in natural, flowing conversations with the AI, which is trained to respond with empathy and emotional intelligence. The chat interface is designed to feel like texting a close friend.

2. Mood Tracking  
   Visual tools help users identify emotional patterns over time, encouraging self-awareness and mental clarity.

3. AI Journaling  
   A guided journaling feature allows users to reflect on their thoughts and feelings without pressure or judgment.

4. Voice Calling  
   For moments when typing feels overwhelming, users can speak directly to their AI companion, adding a layer of intimacy and immediacy to the experience.

Community and Early Adoption

WTMF is already generating buzz among mental wellness advocates and Gen Z users. The pre-launch community is growing rapidly across platforms like Instagram, Discord, and Reddit. With over 3,000 early access sign-ups, the app is poised to become a major player in India’s emotional wellness tech space.

Looking Ahead

By the end of September, WTMF aims to offer a full suite of emotional support tools, making it one of the most comprehensive AI companions in the country. The team is also inviting collaborators, researchers, and wellness partners to shape the future of emotionally intelligent AI in India.

WTMF’s launch marks a shift in how technology can serve emotional needs — not by solving problems, but by simply being present. As India embraces digital mental wellness, WTMF stands out as a heartfelt innovation built for the people, by the people.

Sources: The Tribune, The CEO Magazine, The Wire.