/Companies

Outset

YC S23

San Francisco, US · Founded 2022 · 30 employees · Hiring · 19 known investors

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Outset is an AI-powered research platform that combines conversational AI, behavioral intelligence, and emotional analysis to conduct moderated research interviews and synthesize consumer insights at scale across multiple languages and countries.

Also known as Parnassus Labs, Inc.

Founders & leadership· Y Combinator alumni (S23)

Outset was founded in 2022 by Aaron Cannon and Michael Hess.

ACAaron Cannon
Aaron CannonCo-Founder & CEOAaron Cannon held product leadership roles at Untapped and Triplebyte, and previously served in senior product positions at Tesla, Pebble, and Monitor Deloitte; he began his career as a tour manager.
MHMichael Hess
Michael HessCo-Founder & PresidentMichael Hess has worked as an engineer and firefighter before starting Outset.
LB
Lauren BryantRecruiter
ML
Mark LagmanSourcer

Investors · 19

8VClisted by 8VCAustin · $500K – $50M

How we know: 8VC's portfolio page · a partner's Signal profile · open dataset · 5k.vc investor directory · Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

Adverb Ventureslisted by Adverb VenturesSan Francisco · $500K – $5M

How we know: Adverb Ventures's portfolio page · a partner's Signal profile · funding news · Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

Mute Ventureslisted by Mute VenturesNew York

How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

Rebel Fundlisted by Rebel FundSan Francisco · $100K – $5M

How we know: funding news · Y Combinator's founder network · rebelfund.vc · Not right? Tell us

Capitalize VCreportedChicago · $100K – $200K

How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

Fuel CapitalreportedCovina · $500K – $1M

How we know: a partner's Signal profile · Not right? Tell us

General CatalystreportedSan Francisco · $30M

How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

M12 (Microsoft's Venture Fund)reportedSeattle · $100K – $10M

How we know: a partner's Signal profile · Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

MatrixreportedSan Francisco · $100K – $10M

How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us

Also in the syndicate · 1

M12lead

Funding

SEC filings, press & company announcements

$30M disclosed across 1 of 5 rounds · 2025

Source: company announcements and press reports — follow each round's link for the claim.

Founder mafia

2 people who came through Outset went on to found or lead other companies.

Related companies · 10

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Companies working in the same space as Outset.

Legal entities · 1

corporate structure
Parnassus Labs, Inc.

In the news

Frequently asked questions

What does Outset do?
Outset is an AI-powered research platform that combines conversational AI, behavioral intelligence, and emotional analysis to conduct moderated research interviews and synthesize consumer insights at scale across multiple languages and countries.
Who founded Outset?
Outset was founded by Aaron Cannon, Michael Hess in 2022.
Who are Outset's investors?
Outset's investors include 8VC, Adverb Ventures, Maiora Rebel Ventures, Mute Ventures, Pioneer, Radical Ventures, Rebel Fund, Ritual Capital and 10 more.
How much funding has Outset raised?
Outset has disclosed $30M raised across 1 of its 5 known rounds.
Where is Outset headquartered?
Outset is headquartered in San Francisco, US.