Pool app uses AI to turn screenshots into searchable memories

Pool’s newly launched iOS app, called Pool, uses artificial intelligence to organize users’ screenshots into searchable collections and reconnect them to their original web sources [1]. By granting the app access to the photo library, users can turn a cluttered Camera Roll into a “memory bank” where each screenshot is categorized and made actionable.

Key takeaways

• Pool automatically groups screenshots into user‑specific “pools” based on content type such as products, recipes, or travel ideas [1].
• The AI can retrieve the original link for each screenshot, turning a static image into a clickable source [2].
• The founders raised a pre‑seed round of just over $2 million from investors including General Catalyst and Kima Ventures [1].
• Pool is currently available as a free download on iOS only [2].
• A mascot rubber duck hints at a planned follow‑up personal‑assistant app [1].

AI‑driven organization of personal visual data

Pool’s core functionality centers on screenshots, a niche that differentiates it from broader bookmarking tools like mymind, Fabric, or Raindrop [1]. After users grant permission, the app scans the photo library, identifies screenshots, and places them into “pools” that reflect each user’s saved content—whether that be product images, recipes, or event flyers [1][2]. The AI then attempts to locate the original URL for each image; for example, a product screenshot links directly to the retailer’s site, while an Instagram recipe screenshot surfaces the creator’s ingredient list [1][2]. This process transforms otherwise static images into actionable items that can be revisited later.

From van‑built prototype to funded startup

Co‑founders Maxime Junique and Piet Terheyden first built Pool in Lisbon while living out of a van, creating a landing page and initial code over a few weeks three years ago [1][2]. They paused development to focus on B2B SaaS products, notably the CRM Waitless, which was acquired last year [1]. The resurgence of the project coincided with advances in AI that made large, unstructured personal datasets tractable, prompting the founders to revive Pool as a consumer‑focused AI product [1][2]. The startup secured a pre‑seed round of just over $2 million from General Catalyst, Kima Ventures, Source Ventures and several angels, and the founders are traveling to San Francisco to meet additional investors [1][2].

Why it matters

Pool addresses a common pain point: most smartphone users capture screenshots for later reference but rarely retrieve them. By automatically categorizing and linking these images, the app offers a practical solution that could improve personal productivity and reduce digital clutter [2]. The focus on “deeply emotional” personal data—screenshots of recipes, tickets, and inspiration—highlights a new frontier for consumer AI beyond traditional productivity datasets [1]. As the founders plan a second app that expands the AI assistant concept, Pool may serve as a foundation for broader personal‑data management tools, though its current availability is limited to iOS [2].