In a significant step forward for the software development industry, Autify, a startup with bases in San Francisco and Tokyo, announced on Monday the successful closure of a $13 million Series B funding round. This new influx of capital accompanies the rollout of its latest AI-driven tool, Zenes, which is set to revolutionize software quality assurance (QA) for developers in the U.S.
The transformative power of generative AI is making waves across various sectors, reshaping how industries operate and how professionals perform their roles. Software development, a field often characterized by meticulous and time-consuming processes, is no exception. With innovations such as Autify’s Zenes, the tedious and complex nature of software testing is being streamlined, making it faster and more efficient.
Autify, founded in 2016 by former software engineers Ryo Chikazawa and Sam Yamashita, has been at the forefront of integrating AI into the software QA process. The pain point of lengthy software testing inspired Chikazawa and Yamashita to create a platform that would alleviate these challenges. Their journey began with Autify NoCode, a platform designed to enhance efficiency for developers and QA teams by automating various aspects of software quality engineering. This tool gained significant traction in markets like Japan and South Korea, where manual testing is prevalent.
Key Details of the Series B Funding Round
| Funding Stage | Amount Raised | Total Funding to Date | Equity vs. Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series B | $13 million | $30 million | $24M Equity, $6M Debt |
The Series B round, co-led by Global Capital Partners and LG Technology Ventures, includes participation from existing investors such as World Innovation Lab (WiL), Salesforce Ventures, Archetype Venture, and Uncorrelated Ventures. This funding brings Autify’s total capital raised to $30 million, comprising $24 million in equity and $6 million in debt financing.
With these resources, Autify plans to expand its AI capabilities further and support a broader range of customer needs within the software QA space. The startup is also eyeing new markets, particularly through its partnership with LG CNS, the IT service unit of LG Corp, aiming to solidify its presence in Korea alongside its established operations in the U.S. and Japan.
Zenes represents a significant leap in Autify’s mission to simplify and enhance software testing. As an AI-driven QA agent, Zenes automates the generation and maintenance of test cases, a process that traditionally requires substantial time and expertise.
- Input Flexibility: Users can upload product requirement documents in various formats (.html, .pdf, .docx, .md).
- AI-Driven Test Generation: Zenes analyzes the documents and generates outlined test cases that cover all product specifications.
- Editable Test Cases: Users can review and edit the generated test cases to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.
- Automated Test Code Generation: After adjustments, Zenes creates automated test codes, ready for immediate implementation.
According to Autify, Zenes can reduce the time required to create test cases by 55%, a significant efficiency boost for companies that are heavily invested in automation. This capability positions Zenes as a unique player in the market, offering a comprehensive end-to-end solution for the QA process, from test case design to code generation.
Chikazawa emphasized the importance of this innovation, noting that even companies proficient in coding for automation face resource constraints. “With Zenes, we can address software quality assurance at an earlier stage by automating the design and creation of test cases, providing a holistic solution to the entire QA process,” Chikazawa explained.
Autify’s growth trajectory is impressive. The company’s services, initially limited to Japan and South Korea, are now available in 16 countries. This expansion is a testament to the global demand for efficient and effective QA solutions. Autify’s client list includes notable names such as DeNA, NEC, NTT Smart Connect, Yahoo, and ZoZo, reflecting its capability to serve both B2C and B2B markets.
Autify’s Key Developments:
- Customer Base Expansion: From 2 countries in 2021 to 16 countries in 2024.
- Clientele: Includes major corporations like DeNA, NEC, NTT Smart Connect, Yahoo, and ZoZo.
- Team Growth: Staff has increased from 30 in 2021 to 100 in 2024.
In addition to expanding geographically, Autify has seen significant internal growth. The company’s workforce has more than tripled, growing from 30 employees in 2021 to 100 in 2024, demonstrating its commitment to scaling operations and enhancing its offerings.
As AI continues to evolve, its role in augmenting human capabilities becomes increasingly evident. Chikazawa articulated a vision where AI doesn’t replace human ingenuity but enhances it, allowing professionals to focus on more creative and strategic aspects of their work. “We believe that AI is not here to replace humans. It’s here to enhance human capability so that we can be more creative,” he stated.
Autify’s strategic use of AI in software QA exemplifies how technology can redefine traditional processes, making them more efficient and scalable. With Zenes, Autify is not just improving the quality assurance process but is also setting new standards for how software development can integrate AI to achieve higher productivity and quality.
Looking ahead, Autify plans to leverage its new funding to introduce more AI capabilities and further support its customers’ software QA needs. The startup’s partnership with LG CNS is a crucial step in its expansion strategy, aiming to tap into the Korean market while reinforcing its core operations in the U.S. and Japan.
As Autify continues to innovate and expand, it stands as a prime example of how generative AI can transform industries and redefine traditional roles and processes, offering a glimpse into the future of software development and beyond.
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