Snyk founder’s AI native software development company Tessl redefines software creation, securing new funding to revolutionise software creation with AI, shifting from a code-centric to a spec-centric model for more efficient development.
In a significant funding move, Tessl, the latest venture from Snyk founder and tech pioneer Guy Podjarny, has secured $125M in funding, putting its valuation at over $500M. The London-based AI startup, co-founded by Podjarny, affectionately known as “Guypo,” is on a mission to create an AI native software development platform that rethinks software building from the ground up. Tessl aims to eliminate the traditional, code-centric approach and replace it with a “spec-centric” model, where software creation focuses on defining specifications rather than lines of code.
With technology evolving at a rapid pace, companies face constant demands to innovate and update their software. Maintaining code has become a time-consuming and error-prone task, even with the most skilled development teams. Tessl seeks to relieve this burden by allowing developers to focus on the what, not the how, of software. As Guypo explains, “We’re creating a new paradigm where humans express what they want to build, and AI handles the implementation.”
AI native software: A fresh approach to development
Guypo envisions Tessl as a solution to the inefficiencies of traditional coding, bringing “AI native software development” to the forefront. Unlike existing AI coding tools, Tessl’s approach is not merely an add-on to current workflows. Instead, it’s an entirely new model where specifications, rather than code, become the foundation of the development process. This transition from “code-centric” to “spec-centric” promises to make software development faster, safer, and more adaptable to various platforms and user needs.
The Tessl AI native software development platform will allow teams to define project specifications in a structured, natural language format, which Tessl’s AI will then interpret to build, debug, and maintain the software. This approach, according to Guypo, will empower developers to shift their focus from writing every line of code to understanding customer pain points, user needs, and system design.
A new era in AI software development
Tessl’s funding includes a $100M Series A led by Index Ventures, with Accel, GV (formerly Google Ventures), and boldstart ventures also participating. A previously unannounced $25M seed round was co-led by GV and boldstart. This influx of capital will support Tessl’s continued development, with plans to launch the AI native software development platform in early 2025.
Carlos Gonzalez-Cadenas, Partner at Index Ventures and a key investor in the Series A, expressed confidence in Guypo’s vision, saying, “Software ate the world. Tessl is opening up the kitchen.” He highlighted Guypo’s unique ability to balance the big picture with an attention to detail, saying, “What he’s building with Tessl isn’t just a tool, but a movement to change how software gets made.”
Enabling an open ecosystem for developers
At the core of Tessl’s mission is an open, collaborative platform where developers can engage with AI in a flexible, “spec-centric” framework. Guypo’s commitment to serving developer communities shines through in Tessl’s approach. He explains, “The first startup I founded made web applications faster, the second made software more secure, and now the third is trying to redefine how we build software.” For Guypo, Tessl represents an opportunity to return to his roots of creating transformative tools for developers.
What lies ahead for AI native software development?
In anticipation of its 2025 launch, Tessl has opened a waitlist for early adopters interested in shaping this new software creation paradigm. With its unique approach to AI-driven software development, Tessl stands poised to become a pioneering force in the AI native development landscape. The funding will also support recruitment in key areas, including AI research, engineering, and developer relations, as Tessl scales to meet the demands of its ambitious vision.
As AI continues to reshape industries, Tessl’s entry into the market could signal a fundamental shift in how software is created and maintained-moving away from traditional coding constraints and towards a more adaptable, accessible, and efficient approach. By lowering the barriers to development, Tessl promises a future where developers can build, scale, and maintain applications with unprecedented ease.
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