Tolan

AQP, Inc. , trading name under Portola, is a technology company that develops AI-driven virtual companionship services, designed to enhance emotional support and address mental wellness needs through innovative digital interactions. Portola, founded in 2024 in Beaverton, US, specializes in AI companionship solutions. The company successfully raised USD 10.

000 mn in Seed funding on February 26, 2025, marking its first major funding round. Tolan offers a unique digital companionship service designed to provide emotional support through its core product, an AI-driven virtual friend. In July 2025, Portola raised USD 20 million in series A funding led by new investor Khosla Ventures. The platform enables users to engage in ongoing conversations with their Tolan, who is programmed to understand and respond to users' emotions, thus fostering a sense of connection and companionship.

This service addresses the growing need for mental wellness support in a society where individuals may feel isolated or struggle with emotional challenges. Tolan's technology is accessible through mobile applications, specifically available for download on the App Store, allowing for widespread usability across various demographics. The company targets markets primarily in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, catering to individuals seeking an accessible, non-judgmental friend-like presence to discuss personal matters or seek comfort during difficult times. Tolan generates revenue through a subscription-based model, allowing users to access its virtual companionship services for a recurring fee.

Users can choose from various subscription tiers that offer different levels of interaction and features, including personalized responses and additional functionalities tailored to enhance user experience. Transactions are structured directly between the company and its consumers, facilitating a streamlined process for acquiring the service. The company emphasizes its flagship offering, the Tolan virtual friend, which serves as the primary driver of its revenue model. By focusing on direct-to-consumer sales, Tolan ensures that users can easily access its services while establishing a strong user base that is integral to its financial framework.

In February 2025, Portola raised USD 10. 000 mn in Seed funding led by an individual investor, with participation from other individual investors. The company will use the funding to further develop its artificial intelligence companion system. Plans for expansion include targeting new markets in Asia and Europe by 2026, alongside upcoming releases of additional features for its virtual companionship platform.

The company will use the funding to support the launch of a free version of its artificial intelligence companion application and cover the computing costs associated with real-time user interactions.