Outset
YC S23San 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.


Investors · 19
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
How we know: Adverb Ventures's portfolio page · a partner's Signal profile · funding news · Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us
How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us
How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us
How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · pioneerfund.vc · open dataset · 5k.vc investor directory · Not right? Tell us
How we know: Radical Ventures's portfolio page · funding news · open dataset · 5k.vc investor directory · Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us
How we know: funding news · Y Combinator's founder network · rebelfund.vc · Not right? Tell us
How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us
How we know: the Y Combinator directory · open dataset · 5k.vc investor directory · Not right? Tell us
How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us
How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us
How we know: a partner's Signal profile · Not right? Tell us
How we know: a partner's Signal profile · Not right? Tell us
How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us
How we know: a partner's Signal profile · Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us
How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us
How we know: Y Combinator's founder network · Not right? Tell us
How we know: the VCSheet dataset · Not right? Tell us
Also in the syndicate · 1
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
Companies working in the same space as Outset.
Legal entities · 1
corporate structureIn 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.








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