An app that simplifies to-do lists for individuals and teams in the working world by organizing and automating tasks has been a long-standing challenge in business technology. Leveraging AI technology and lessons learned from creating Google Wave, a startup called Tana believes it has finally cracked the code to solve this issue.

Tana, which has recently emerged from stealth mode, announced securing $25 million in funding from a diverse group of investors to kickstart its operations. Essentially, Tana acts as an automated list builder, note taker, application enabler, and organizer. It can transcribe conversations, such as Zoom meetings or voice memos, into actionable items like lists, spreadsheets, and web page updates depending on user preferences.

One of Tana’s key features is the “Supertag,” inspired by object-oriented programming, enabling the transformation of unstructured information into structured data within seconds. The startup envisions continuous improvement by building a knowledge graph and incorporating user feedback into future iterations. Tana aims to assist both individuals and teams in generating and managing data and action items efficiently.

Headquartered in Palo Alto with operations in Norway, Tana was founded by three ex-Googlers, including CEO Tarjei Vassbotn and CPO Grim Iversen, who played significant roles in developing Google Wave. Supported by a $25 million investment, Tana has attracted 160,000 users on its waitlist, primarily from large enterprises, and is gradually opening up registrations to more users.

In the pursuit of building a more efficient productivity tool, Tana’s founders have incorporated AI capabilities to automate organization and connection of user-generated data. The startup has partnered with OpenAI to leverage natural language processing and is working with other AI models to enhance its functionality. Tana envisions seamless collaboration among different tools by integrating with 50 platforms and focusing on precise data processing using knowledge graphs.

While Tana is currently best suited for tech-savvy professionals willing to customize their experience, the startup aims to revolutionize how individuals work with information. With an ambitious vision and strong commitment, Tana has captured the attention and investment of key industry players interested in transforming productivity tools for knowledge workers.