From synthesizing realistic art and quirky cat images to rendering detailed ultrasound scans, AI image generator Midjourney is now turning its sights toward the heavens. The artificial intelligence startup announced it has acquired Co-Star, the popular personalized astrology app, in a move aimed at bolstering its consumer software lineup and user interface design.
Co-Star, a free mobile application widely known for delivering tailored daily horoscopes and friendship compatibility metrics, combines human astrological insight, astronomical data from NASA, and AI algorithms. While financial details of the transaction—which reportedly closed earlier in the spring—remain undisclosed, the strategic implications for Midjourney's broader expansion plans are becoming clear.
Under the new arrangement, Co-Star founder Banu Guler will continue leading the astrology platform while simultaneously stepping into a pivotal executive role as Midjourney’s chief design officer. Midjourney founder David Holz revealed that Guler and her design team will spearhead the development of Midjourney's initial suite of standalone mobile applications, including a dedicated application for image generation. To date, Midjourney has primarily offered its generative tools through a web interface and Discord servers.
The acquisition underscores a growing trend among generative AI companies to pair complex backend models with intuitive, design-forward mobile experiences to broaden their everyday appeal.