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Companies use Browse AI to build bots that scrape website data for business use.

Technology

Traditionally, companies looking to extract data from websites have had to create custom code to get at the data, an expensive and time-consuming process that is often out of reach of smaller businesses. Enter Browse AI, an early-stage startup that has developed an automated solution to scrape information from websites and move it into a spreadsheet or API for further processing.

A Solution for Small Businesses and Individuals

Browse AI CEO Ardy Naghshineh says that part of the reason for launching Browse AI was to democratize access to information on the web, and his company’s product puts that capability within reach of anyone. ‘SMBs and individuals have a really hard time taking advantage of all the information that’s on the web, and I wanted to change that. So that’s why I started Browse AI. I truly believe in our mission of democratizing access to information on the web,’ Naghshineh told TechCrunch.

How it Works

In practice, that means providing a SaaS application to train a bot to extract data that meets a certain set of criteria and adding that data to a spreadsheet or API that can connect to an application. If you’re concerned about privacy, the focus is on publicly available data like real estate pricing data, or an e-commerce company keeping up with the latest competitor pricing information.

Success Story

The startup launched in 2020 and came out with the product the following year. It has caught on in a big way. Just over the last six months, the company reports 200,000 new users, and it’s not just those that target small businesses. Customers include teams at Amazon, Walmart, Accenture, Google and McKinsey.

Growth Metrics

What’s more, Naghshineh reports that ARR (annual recurring revenue) has grown 20x year-over-year, and the company became cash-flow positive six months ago, a laudable milestone for such a young organization. It has also managed to be extremely capital-efficient with Naghshineh reporting that he has spent only half of the $400,000 in pre-seed money his company received.

Future Plans

The startup currently has 18 employees with plans to grow quickly, perhaps reaching 50 or more within a year if things continue along at the current pace. As part of that, the company is opening an office in Vancouver with plans to take a hybrid approach to work. As he builds his team, Naghshineh, who moved to Canada a decade ago as an immigrant, says he takes diversity very seriously, and he has been able to find talent in traditionally underrepresented groups simply by looking.

Investors

Today’s $2.8 million seed round came from a group of investors including Interface Capital, Alpine Venture Capital, AltaIR, Banana Capital, Creator Ventures, Trust Fund, Singularity Capital, Goodwater Capital and several prominent industry angels.

Impact on Industry

The success of Browse AI has the potential to democratize access to web information, making it possible for small businesses and individuals to extract data from websites without having to create custom code. This could have a significant impact on industries such as e-commerce, real estate, and finance, where publicly available data is used to inform business decisions.

Conclusion

Browse AI’s automated solution to scraping information from websites has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses access web data. With its ability to extract data that meets a certain set of criteria and add it to a spreadsheet or API, Browse AI makes it possible for small businesses and individuals to take advantage of publicly available data without having to create custom code.

The Future of Data Extraction

As the company continues to grow and expand its user base, it will be interesting to see how Browse AI’s technology is used in various industries. With its focus on democratizing access to web information, Browse AI has the potential to make a significant impact on the way businesses operate.

Benefits for Small Businesses

The benefits of using Browse AI are numerous. For small businesses, it provides an opportunity to extract valuable data from websites without having to invest in custom code development. This can save time and money, allowing business owners to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Benefits for Individuals

For individuals, Browse AI’s technology has the potential to make it easier to access publicly available data. Whether you’re a researcher looking to gather data for a project or an investor trying to stay up-to-date on market trends, Browse AI’s automated solution can help you extract the information you need quickly and easily.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Browse AI’s $2.8 million seed investment is a significant milestone in the company’s journey to democratize access to web information. With its automated solution to scraping information from websites, Browse AI has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses operate and access valuable data.