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Signals

YC W26

San Francisco, US · Founded 2026 · 2 employees · 1 known investors

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Return Signals operates a two-way iMessage communication platform for DTC ecommerce brands, enabling customer support and personalized sales conversations before and after purchase. The service drives repeat purchases, cross-sells, and retention through AI-powered conversations that integrate with existing commerce and support systems.

Also known as Material Model, Inc · Material Model · Material Model, Return Signals · Return Signals

Direct to ConsumerEnterprise SoftwareSaaSUnited States of AmericaAmerica / Canada

Founders & leadership· Y Combinator alumni (W26)

Signals was founded in 2026 by Ilya Valmianski and Alejandro Zaniolo.

IVIlya Valmianski
Ilya ValmianskiCEO & Co-FounderIlya Valmianski holds a PhD in physics and has co-founded multiple healthtech companies, including MDandMe and Signals. He previously worked on AI-driven patient intake systems at Kaiser Permanente and developed conversational medical AI at Curai Health.
AZAlejandro Zaniolo
Alejandro ZanioloCo-FounderHe previously held early-stage roles at two startups, including one acquired by Blueground and another that scaled to $40M ARR before achieving profitability.

Investors · 1

Funding

SEC filings, press & company announcements

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

Founder mafia

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

Sam de BrouwerVolunteerFounded ScanaduLeon FeddenNon Executive Board MemberFounded Literal Labs

Related companies · 2

OuterSignalOuterSignal is a customer intelligence platform for eCommerce and DTC brands that enriches customer data to identify VIPs, influencers, and B2B leads within a store's existing order data. It offers persona building, deep analytics, segmentation, and personalization, with integrations to platforms like Meta, Klaviyo, and Shopify CRMs.
Happy ReturnsHappy Returns provides a returns and reverse logistics platform for retailers, offering box-free, label-free drop-offs through a network of 10,000 Return Bar locations along with AI-powered fraud detection, item verification, and consolidated returns to warehouses. It serves ecommerce and retail businesses managing reverse logistics.

Companies working in the same space as Signals.

Legal entities · 1

corporate structure
Material Model, Inc

In the news

Return Signals - proactive high-touch support for e-commerce brandsycombinator.com · Feb 2026

Frequently asked questions

What does Signals do?
Return Signals operates a two-way iMessage communication platform for DTC ecommerce brands, enabling customer support and personalized sales conversations before and after purchase. The service drives repeat purchases, cross-sells, and retention through AI-powered conversations that integrate with existing commerce and support systems.
Who founded Signals?
Signals was founded by Ilya Valmianski, Alejandro Zaniolo in 2026.
Who are Signals's investors?
Signals's investors include Y Combinator.
Where is Signals headquartered?
Signals is headquartered in San Francisco, US.