Linq raises $20M to enable AI assistants to live within messaging apps

Core Insights - Linq, a startup based in Birmingham, Alabama, has transitioned from a digital business card service to enhancing business communication by upgrading from SMS to iMessage and RCS [1][2] - The company launched an API in February 2025 that allows businesses to send messages natively within iMessage, utilizing features like group chats and emojis, resulting in a doubling of its annual recurring revenue within eight months [3] - The rise of AI agents, particularly an AI assistant called Poke, prompted Linq to consider expanding its market by providing infrastructure for AI companies to integrate their chatbots and assistants into messaging platforms [4][6] Company Developments - Linq was founded by former Shipt executives and has pivoted multiple times to find its product-market fit [3] - The company received significant interest from AI companies after the viral launch of Poke, leading to a strategic decision on whether to continue serving B2B clients or to pivot towards becoming an infrastructure provider for the AI market [6][7] - Linq aims to balance its existing B2B customer base while exploring opportunities in the AI messaging infrastructure space [7]