Midjourney acquires astrology app Co-Star, appoints CEO Banu Guler
The deal brings Co-Star’s leadership under Midjourney’s umbrella while granting the app’s chief executive operational autonomy, a move that coincides with broader corporate diversification efforts.
Midjourney has acquired the astrology application Co-Star, marking a significant expansion beyond its core identity as a provider of artificial intelligence image and video generation tools. The transaction includes the appointment of Co-Star’s chief executive, Banu Guler, to the role of Chief Design Officer at Midjourney.
According to the company, Guler will retain complete control over the Co-Star application. The app has accumulated tens of millions of downloads and reportedly reaches 35 per cent of young people in the United States. The acquisition was announced via a post on X by Guler, who described the move as a natural extension of her personal friendship with Midjourney founder David Holz.
Guler cited a shared philosophical alignment between the two leaders, stating that they believe technology should serve as a tool to reveal humanity. She noted that such tools can demonstrate meaning, emotion, and imagination before they are fully articulated by the user. This introspective focus aligns with the nature of an astrology application, despite the apparent contrast with Midjourney’s primary commercial offerings.
The purchase follows Midjourney’s recent strategic pivot into health technology. In June, the company announced the development of a full-body ultrasonic scanner through a newly established division called Midjourney Health. This acquisition represents another step in the company’s attempt to diversify its business model beyond being solely a builder and licensor of AI tools.
The deal arrives at a sensitive time for generative AI adoption among Co-Star’s core demographic. A Gallup survey from April 2026 indicates that while Gen Z continues to use generative AI regularly, enthusiasm has waned significantly. Excitement regarding the technology has dropped 14 percentage points to 22 per cent, hopefulness has fallen to 18 per cent, and anger has risen to 31 per cent among those born between 1997 and 2012.
Guler’s background in New York includes roles as a vegan restaurant server, a night shift worker at Dunkin’ Donuts, and a bike messenger, experiences she has shared publicly. The financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed, nor have the specific operational details of how Midjourney’s resources will be integrated while Guler maintains autonomy over the app.
