Circleback launches free tier to compete in meeting note-taker market

Circleback, a Y Combinator-backed meeting note-taker, has introduced a free subscription tier to attract more users amid growing competition. The new plan allows unlimited meeting transcription with access to the last 30 days of history, mobile and Apple Watch apps, AI-powered transcript queries, and integrations with Linear and Slack. Paid plans start at $14 per month, up from the previous $20.83 rate. Founded in 2023 by Ali Haghani and Kevin Jacyna, Circleback raised $2.5 million in 2024 and claims profitability since then, with a run-rate revenue of over $8 million. Haghani cited a drop-off in users due to a limited trial period as the reason for the free tier, which will act as marketing expenses. He noted the company is not currently seeking funds but remains competitive against larger firms. Haghani emphasized the company’s focus on product quality and monetization, stating that fundraising would be considered if financial constraints arise. The move follows recent competition from dictation app Wispr and Calendly, which added similar tools. Circleback’s strategy aims to increase visibility and user base without relying on Google or Meta ads.