Kevin Zhang (케빈 장), who took part in developing Perplexity's AI browser Comet, has founded an AI browser startup called Polar aimed at knowledge workers and raised $5.7 million in seed funding. TechCrunch reported on July 29 that the investment was led by Madrona.

Polar is focused on workplace automation rather than a general consumer browser. Users can assign tasks to an agent based on open tabs, schedule workflows or save prompts. It is designed for non-developers and supports sales, recruiting, marketing, research and business operations work.

Chief Executive Officer Kevin Zhang said early AI browsers focused on replacing basic search and handling tasks such as travel bookings, but that was not a strong long-term value proposition. Because consumers do not book flights or restaurants every day, he said it is difficult for AI browsers to create sustained utility in the market. He sees the practical value of browser agents as coming from knowledge work.

Polar offers the browser for free. Daily credits for AI tasks are limited, and users who want a higher limit must use a subscription plan starting at $20 a month. Most users currently use a separate main browser and use Polar only for automation tasks.

Polar aims to establish itself as an automation tool and says the browser is the most suitable approach for now.

This year, the AI browser market appears to be shifting its focus to agents and automation. Startups such as Strawberry, Browser Use and Aside are developing agent-centric browsers, and TechCrunch reported that Perplexity's Comet is also changing direction toward offering browser agents.