Meet Wrinkles, an AI app that uncovers the hidden stories of the places around you
TechCrunch
β’Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:34:34 +0000
π° What Happened
A new mobile app called Wrinkles uses a user's location to automatically surface stories, hidden history and local lore about the places around them, functioning as an AI-powered audio tour guide. Available on both iOS and Android, the app lets users move through the world while hearing places come to life without staring at their phone. It was founded by advertising executive David Stemler and Ryan Hansan, who previously founded ScratchDC and TasteLab.
π The Backstory
Wrinkles was conceived by Stemler while using the British Museum's official app for a self-guided tour, which he found frustrating because it kept his attention on his phone rather than his surroundings. Stemler and Hansan, who have known each other since middle school and are avid travelers, built Wrinkles from that insight. The founders have a history of turning travel-inspired ideas into businesses.
π― Why It Matters
Wrinkles represents a growing category of AI-powered apps that aim to enhance real-world experiences rather than replace them with screens. It shows how generative AI can be applied to education, tourism and local discovery. Its success could signal demand for ambient, location-aware experiences that compete with traditional audio guides and tour services.
A new mobile app called Wrinkles uses a user's location to automatically surface stories, hidden history and local lore about the places around them, functioning as an AI-powered audio tour guide. Available on both iOS and Android, the app lets users move through the world while hearing places come to life without staring at their phone. It was founded by advertising executive David Stemler and Ryan Hansan, who previously founded ScratchDC and TasteLab.
Wrinkles was conceived by Stemler while using the British Museum's official app for a self-guided tour, which he found frustrating because it kept his attention on his phone rather than his surroundings. Stemler and Hansan, who have known each other since middle school and are avid travelers, built Wrinkles from that insight. The founders have a history of turning travel-inspired ideas into businesses.
Wrinkles represents a growing category of AI-powered apps that aim to enhance real-world experiences rather than replace them with screens. It shows how generative AI can be applied to education, tourism and local discovery. Its success could signal demand for ambient, location-aware experiences that compete with traditional audio guides and tour services.