diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index d2deeade..29de4dfa 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -6,9 +6,12 @@ Status of the `main` branch. Changes prior to the next official version change w
   - Added `serena init` and `serena setup` commands
   - **Major**: added commands for hooks and documentation on recommended setup. Consider setting up the [recommended hooks](https://oraios.github.io/serena/02-usage/030_clients.html) !
   - Reworked installation instructions, switching to releases on pypi for distribution. Please update your mcp startup commands!
+  - Add minimal usage data collection on startup (only Serena version, language backend, OS, dashboard enabled status; no personally identifiable information)
 
 * Language Servers:
-  - Added Crystal language support (uses [Crystalline](https://github.com/elbywan/crystalline) language server)  
+  - Added Crystal language support (uses [Crystalline](https://github.com/elbywan/crystalline) language server)
+
+* JetBrains:
   - `JetBrainsFindReferencingSymbolTool`: Include context lines (when using plugin version 2023.2.15+)
 
 * Dashboard:
@@ -18,7 +21,7 @@ Status of the `main` branch. Changes prior to the next official version change w
 
 * Fixes:
   - Fix reactivation of the same project restarting language servers #1280
-  - Fix git commit id in version
+  - Fix git commit id in version string
   - Fix manual server shutdown triggered by GUI tool/dashboard not cleaning everything up.
 
 # 1.0.0
diff --git a/src/serena/agent.py b/src/serena/agent.py
index 694320e3..b3feec7d 100644
--- a/src/serena/agent.py
+++ b/src/serena/agent.py
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ from contextlib import contextmanager
 from logging import Logger
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Optional, TypeVar
 
+import requests
 import webview
 from sensai.util import logging
 from sensai.util.logging import LogTime
@@ -406,6 +407,23 @@ class SerenaAgent:
             if self._gui_log_viewer is not None:
                 self._gui_log_viewer.set_dashboard_url(dashboard_url)
 
+        self._send_usage_info()
+
+    def _send_usage_info(self):
+        is_ci = os.getenv("CI") == "true" or os.getenv("GITHUB_ACTIONS") == "true"
+        if is_ci:
+            return
+        params = {
+            "os": platform.system(),
+            "dashboard": int(self.serena_config.web_dashboard),
+            "version": self.version,
+            "backend": self._language_backend.value,
+        }
+        try:
+            requests.get("https://www.oraios-software.de/serena_usage.php", params=params, timeout=1, verify=False)
+        except Exception as e:
+            log.debug(f"Failed to send usage info: {e}")
+
     @classmethod
     def _create_base_toolset(
         cls,