The market for meeting note-takers is increasingly saturated. In just recent weeks, the dictation application Wispr launched its own note-taking functionality and scheduling app, while Calendly integrated a similar tool into its platform. Established meeting note-taking services such as Granola, Read AI, and Fireflies have successfully secured millions in funding.
Likely in response to this intensifying competitive landscape, Y Combinator-backed Circleback is introducing a complimentary subscription tier to provide users with a sample of its offering. This new plan permits users to transcribe an unlimited number of meetings, though access to their historical data is limited to the past 30 days (a feature Granola implemented similarly a few months prior).
The free plan allows users to record meetings, utilize mobile and Apple Watch applications, employ AI to query transcripts, and integrate the application with Linear and Slack. For customers desiring all integrations, limitless meeting history, and comprehensive API and MCP access, subscription plans begin at $15 per month (billed annually). Before this adjustment, Circleback did not offer a free tier, and its paid plans started at $20.83 per month.
Established in 2023 by Ali Haghani and Kevin Jacyna, Circleback successfully raised $2.5 million in 2024. The company reports continuous profitability since then, achieving an annual recurring revenue exceeding $1 million per employee with its eight-person team, which roughly calculates to an ARR of approximately $8 million.
Haghani stated that the introduction of a free plan was prompted by a significant decline in user numbers, which he attributed to the previously restrictive trial period.
“By simply opening access and enabling more individuals to use the product, Circleback will gain wider exposure. Subsequently, we excel at refining the product and converting those users into paying customers,” he commented.
The company asserts that it refrains from spending on Google Ads or Meta Ads, and this new free tier will effectively serve as its marketing expenditure.
Haghani mentioned that the company is not actively seeking to raise additional funds at present, despite receiving interest, as it identifies no immediate impediments to its growth trajectory.
“We consistently compete and secure customers from companies significantly larger than us, both in terms of workforce size and capital raised. I believe there’s a heightened drive [to succeed] now,” he remarked.
He clarified that the startup would consider fundraising only if it identifies a specific challenge that capital could effectively address.
This article has been revised to include the most recent pricing details and to specify annual recurring revenue per employee rather than overall run rate.