Midjourney acquires astrology app Co-Star as AI lab expands beyond image generation

Midjourney Acquired Co-Star in Unexpected Strategic Move

Midjourney, the AI lab known for its generative AI-powered image and video generators, has acquired Co-Star, a personalized astrology app with approximately 4.3 million monthly active users 1

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. The acquisition closed in spring, though financial terms were not disclosed 3

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. The deal marks a significant expansion for Midjourney beyond its core AI image generation business, which currently operates primarily through Discord and web platforms rather than a standalone app 2

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Co-Star offers daily horoscopes and compatibility assessments using a combination of AI capabilities, human writing, and NASA data to deliver personalized advice based on users' astrological birth charts 2

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. The free horoscope app, which includes some paid features, allows users to share their astrological information with friends on the platform 5

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Leadership Changes and Design Expertise

Co-Star founder Banu Guler will retain complete control and direction of the astrology app while simultaneously taking on the role of chief design officer at Midjourney 2

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. Midjourney founder David Holz said he first met Guler over five years ago, and the two have been discussing "the ways people reflect and make decisions both in the present, future, and over the past thousands of years" 3

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Guler's team of two dozen employees has joined Midjourney as part of the acquisition 1

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. Given the team's experience building consumer apps, this expertise could help Midjourney finally develop its first standalone app dedicated to image generation 2

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. Holz indicated that Guler and her team will help build Midjourney's broader organization around product and design 5

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Expanding Into Health and Wellness Territory

The acquisition represents one of eight projects the San Francisco-based AI lab is currently focused on, split between four hardware and four software initiatives 5

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. Midjourney has been experimenting in unexpected spaces, including Midjourney Medical and the development of a full-body ultrasonic scanner that will eventually be installed in spa locations 4

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. The company envisions combining older wellness technology like saunas, hot tubs, and cold plunges with advanced scanning technology 4

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Holz stated the company plans to announce half a dozen similarly ambitious projects over the next six months 5

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. This suggests the Co-Star acquisition may be part of a broader strategy toward health and wellness, potentially representing a holistic mind-body-spirit approach 4

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Philosophy Behind the Partnership

Guler emphasized the philosophical alignment between the two companies in addressing concerns about AI replacing human reflection. "We're at a crazy moment in history," Guler wrote. "At a time when it feels like many labs are pushing toward replacing humans with computers, David and I are taking a different approach. We share the belief that computers can be tools that reveal our humanity to ourselves" 3

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. She highlighted their shared commitment to "beauty, imagination, and supporting human thriving with technology" 4

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Co-Star will now have radically expanded resources and teams to support Midjourney's projects going forward [3](https://gizmodo.com/were-at-a-crazy-moment-in-history-midjourney-buys-astrology-app-co-star]. The acquisition positions Midjourney to compete differently than larger competitors like OpenAI and Google, which have invested billions in AI image generation, by focusing on unexpected consumer applications that blend technology with personal insight.