# About Tolan A cute alien companion who can make sense of your thoughts, help you with anything, and just have fun. Tolan is an AI friend designed to help you feel grounded, inspired, and connected. Whether you’re exploring new ideas, solving life’s puzzles, or just sharing your thoughts, Tolan is here to listen, guide, and grow with you. **Why we built Tolan** Life today can feel overwhelming—constant choices, packed schedules, and distractions everywhere. It’s easy to feel stuck, unsure of what matters most. **‍** We built Tolan because we believe a companion who understands you deeply can be a fantastic tool to help you feel grounded, get stuff done, and even understand yourself better. We believe technology shouldn’t pull you further into your screen—it should help you step confidently into the world. **Who we are** We’re **Portola**: a small team of engineers, researchers, writers, and creatives. We’re curious, open to new ideas, and optimistic about the future. We’re based in San Francisco, with colleagues around the world. We believe AI is here to stay, and that every person deserves more than just a textbox for their ideas: they deserve the world, and the galaxy beyond, too. Still curious? See our [FAQ](/content/faq/index.html).