Grammarly Buys Superhuman App to Rival Google & Microsoft
Grammarly, globally renowned for its grammar and writing enhancement tools, has taken a major step towards expanding its offerings. The company has officially acquired Superhuman, an AI-powered email productivity app. This strategic move signals Grammarly’s ambition to transform into a comprehensive AI-based productivity platform aimed at directly challenging giants like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. The acquisition aligns with Grammarly’s larger vision to create an integrated AI suite that enhances digital workflows.
Grammarly’s Acquisition of Superhuman: A New Chapter
On 1st July 2025, Grammarly confirmed the acquisition of Superhuman in a statement to Reuters. While financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, Superhuman—once famed for its premium, invite-only service—was valued at $825 million in 2021. Currently, the company generates an annual revenue of around $35 million. Meanwhile, Grammarly raised a significant $1 billion non-dilutive funding from General Catalyst in May 2025, which it is using to strengthen its AI-powered productivity tool portfolio.
Superhuman’s co-founder and CEO Rahul Vohra, who is joining Grammarly post-acquisition, stated:
“Email remains the most widely used communication tool globally. Professionals spend about a third of their workday in the inbox. Together with Grammarly, we will supercharge Superhuman and build an AI-supported workflow that integrates email, documents, and other communication tools to boost productivity.”
Over 100 Superhuman employees will now join the Grammarly team. The company also clarified that Superhuman’s brand, product, and independent identity will be maintained. Grammarly CEO Shishir Mehrotra added,
“Superhuman is an exceptional product loved by millions. We want it to retain its momentum and innovation while delivering even more value within Grammarly’s AI ecosystem.”
What is Superhuman and Why Does It Matter?
Superhuman is an AI-powered email productivity tool known for its speed, intelligence, and distraction-free user experience. The app claims to save users up to four hours per week, making it especially valuable for business professionals who prioritise time and efficiency.
Key Features of Superhuman:
- Smart Inbox Management: Organises emails by priority using AI, allowing users to focus on what matters most.
- AI-Based Drafting: Automatically generates email drafts, significantly reducing response time.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Seamless shortcuts streamline email processing.
- Enterprise Support: Built with collaborative workflows in mind, ideal for large organisations and teams.
Superhuman has raised over $110 million from major investors like Andreessen Horowitz and IVP. Its premium positioning and business-focused approach have made it popular among startups and enterprises alike.
Grammarly’s Strategy: Building an AI-Powered Productivity Suite
Founded in 2009 in Ukraine, Grammarly began as a cloud-based writing assistant offering grammar, tone, and plagiarism checks. However, it is now evolving beyond its identity as just a “grammar tool” to become a full-fledged AI productivity platform.
From Coda to Superhuman: Strategic Expansion
In 2024, Grammarly acquired Coda, a document and spreadsheet platform. Tools like Coda Docs and Coda Brain have since been integrated into Grammarly’s suite, strengthening its hold in collaborative workflows. With the addition of Superhuman, Grammarly now enters the email productivity space, making it a serious contender against platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.
Grammarly CEO Shishir Mehrotra clarified the vision:
“Our goal is to build an AI-native productivity suite that unifies professionals’ digital workflows. By bringing together email, documents, and collaboration tools, we aim to significantly multiply user productivity.”
$1 Billion in Funding from General Catalyst
Grammarly’s recent $1 billion non-dilutive funding from General Catalyst’s Customer Value Fund (CVF) enables heavy investments in sales, marketing, and strategic acquisitions. Managing Director Pranav Singhvi said,
“Grammarly has a high-performance engine that can generate strong returns by investing in sales and marketing. This wave of AI offers Grammarly the opportunity to reach more customers globally.”
Head-On with Google Suite and Microsoft 365
Google and Microsoft have swiftly integrated AI features into their productivity suites—Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. Tools like Gemini and Copilot offer intelligent suggestions, auto-drafting, and data analytics, deeply embedded within their ecosystems.
Grammarly’s Countermove
By acquiring Superhuman, Grammarly is now positioned to go head-to-head with these tech titans. Superhuman’s AI-driven email capabilities can potentially integrate with Grammarly’s existing AI agents, offering users a seamless platform for handling email, documents, and collaborative workflows. Both Mehrotra and Vohra emphasised their goal of building a smart network of AI agents that extract data from digital workflows to save users time in finding information or composing responses.
CNET AI analyst John Reed commented
“Grammarly is evolving into a platform that adds a smart layer over existing workplace software. This could pose a real threat to Google and Microsoft.”
Opportunities in the Indian Market
With over 870 million internet users, India is a critical market for both Google and Microsoft. Google recently launched AI Mode in India—a Q&A-style search tool that leverages deep web search and real-time data for complex queries. Microsoft has integrated its Copilot into Microsoft 365 to aid with data analysis and automation.
Grammarly’s acquisition of Superhuman could be particularly appealing to Indian MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises). According to a recent report, over 70% of Indian startups are already integrating AI into their core operations, and 87% of AI users have seen a 30% drop in marketing cost per acquisition (CPA). Grammarly’s AI productivity suite—which merges email, documents, and collaboration tools—offers an affordable and powerful solution for these businesses.
Key Benefits for Indian MSMEs:
- Cost-Effective Alternative: Likely to be more affordable than Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, which is crucial for MSMEs.
- Integrated Workflows: A unified platform for email, documents, and collaboration saves both time and resources.
- AI-Powered Efficiency: Tools from Grammarly and Superhuman can help speed up decision-making and enhance customer communication.
Can Grammarly Become a Google Suite Alternative?
Grammarly’s strategy is clear: to become an all-in-one AI productivity platform that not only enhances grammar but also integrates email, calendars, and collaboration tools. According to a Reuters report, the company is even considering a rebrand to move beyond its image as just a “grammar tool.”
Grammarly’s Strengths:
- Expertise in AI: Grammarly’s tech is already used by over 40 million daily users with annual revenue exceeding $700 million.
- Addition of Superhuman: Enhances its portfolio with a fast and intelligent email tool.
- Enterprise Focus: Plans to develop tools tailored for enterprise customers.
- Strong Financial Backing: With $1 billion in funding, Grammarly can pursue further acquisitions and scale its offerings.
Key Challenges:
- Dominance of Google & Microsoft: Both tech giants have well-established user bases and massive resources.
- Competitive Pressure: Companies like Salesforce, Slack, and other startups are also racing to build AI-powered productivity tools.
- Brand Positioning: Overcoming its image as a grammar-only tool could be a significant challenge.
Implications for India
India is witnessing a surge in demand for AI tools. Google Cloud has recently expanded its AI services in the region, with companies like HDFC Bank, Meesho, and Tech Mahindra adopting them. Grammarly’s acquisition of Superhuman could prove to be a game-changer for Indian MSMEs seeking affordable, unified productivity tools.
AI-driven platforms like Slack already enjoy a 94% adoption rate in India, aiding in customer experience and operational efficiency. Grammarly’s new suite, integrating email and document management, could offer similar benefits to Indian enterprises.
Conclusion
Grammarly’s acquisition of Superhuman is a strategic move that puts it in direct competition with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. With $1 billion in funding and past acquisitions like Coda, the company is fast building a full-stack AI-powered productivity suite.
However, competing with established players like Google and Microsoft won’t be easy. Grammarly must redefine its brand identity and prove the value of its new tools. If successful, it could become a compelling alternative for professionals and enterprises worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Grammarly acquire Superhuman?
To boost AI-powered email productivity and strengthen its workplace tools ecosystem.
What does the Superhuman app do?
It organises your emails, drafts smart replies, and can save up to 4 hours every week.
Is Grammarly now competing with Google Suite?
Likely yes — it’s now offering AI tools across documents, spreadsheets, and email.
What did Grammarly originally do?
It began as a grammar-checking tool focusing on tone, spelling, and plagiarism detection.
Is Grammarly planning to change its name?
According to Reuters, the company is considering a rebrand to reflect its expanded role beyond grammar.
Where does Grammarly stand in the AI tools race?
Grammarly is building its own workplace AI platform to rival tools like Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot.
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