In the AI world, the next big leap may come not from new algorithms or cutting-edge hardware but from the operating systems that power AI agents. These agents (programs designed to handle complex, multi-step tasks independently) are poised to transform industries.
However, the current tools available to developers fall short, creating a massive gap in the AI ecosystem. Enter /dev/agents, a startup co-founded by a group of tech visionaries who previously helped shape Android, Stripe, and other transformative technologies.
Their mission? Build a unified platform to serve as the “operating system for AI agents.”
The Vision Behind /dev/agents
David Singleton, co-founder and CEO of /dev/agents, compares today’s AI landscape to the early days of mobile development. “Before Android existed, mobile development was fragmented and challenging,” Singleton explained.
“Now, we’re seeing the same pattern with AI. Developers can see the potential, but they lack the tools to create something truly groundbreaking.” Singleton brings a wealth of experience to the table. As the former CTO of Stripe and a key figure behind AndroidWear at Google, he’s no stranger to pioneering infrastructure that scales.
His co-founders include Hugo Barra (former VP of Android Product Management at Google), Ficus Kirkpatrick (early Android engineer and former VP of AR/VR at Meta), and Nicholas Jitkoff (a principal designer on Google Chrome and former Dropbox executive).
Together, they envision a cloud-based operating system for AI agents, offering seamless cross-device functionality and interfaces tailored to individual users through generative AI.
Why Investors Are Betting Big
The startup recently secured a massive $56 million seed round, led by Index Ventures and co-led by CapitalG, Alphabet’s independent growth fund. This unprecedented funding valued the pre-product company at $500 million.
Prominent tech leaders, including OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy, Scale AI CEO Alexander Wang, and Android founder Andy Rubin, also backed the venture.
Jill Chase, a partner at CapitalG, highlighted why her firm took the rare step of investing in a company without a product yet.
“This is a generational opportunity,” Chase said. “When you combine the massive market potential with a team of this caliber, it’s a no-brainer.”
Join 450,000+ professionals from top companies like Microsoft, Apple, & Tesla and get the AI trends and tools you need to know to stay ahead of the curve 👇
Building the Android of the AI World
/Dev/agents draws direct inspiration from Android, which transformed mobile development by creating a standardized platform for apps. Singleton envisions their operating system doing the same for AI agents, enabling them to collaborate and tackle complex tasks like booking entire travel itineraries or managing financial portfolios.
This standardized infrastructure could help developers focus on innovation rather than reinventing the wheel for every new AI agent.
The Product Roadmap
While the company hasn’t yet launched its first product, Singleton revealed plans to release an early version by mid-2025. The system will likely follow a business model similar to Android’s, generating revenue through:
- Commissions on transactions conducted on the platform
- Subscription fees for premium features
“You can imagine a lot of commerce happening here,” Singleton said, hinting at the platform’s vast potential for monetization.
Why Now? The Case for a Third-Party Solution
The tech world is buzzing about AI agents, with startups and established players racing to define the space. However, investors in /dev/agents believe the company’s third-party operating system could become the backbone of this emerging ecosystem.
Nina Achadjian, a partner at Index Ventures, emphasized the scope of the challenge and the expertise of /dev/agents’ team.
“This is one of the most complex technical problems out there,” she said. “But if anyone can solve it, it’s the team that built Android and Stripe from scratch.”
What’s Next for AI Agents?
The idea of AI agents seamlessly collaborating to perform intricate tasks is tantalizing, but the road ahead isn’t without challenges. Developers need tools that simplify the process, and users demand intuitive, reliable interactions.
/Dev/agents aims to bridge these gaps, much like Android revolutionized mobile. With the backing of top-tier investors and a team of seasoned innovators, the company is well-positioned to lead the charge.
Will This Be the Turning Point for AI?
The potential for /dev/agents’ operating system is undeniable, but only time will tell if they can deliver on their ambitious goals. If they succeed, they could sweep the AI world off its feet, making these agents as integral to our lives as smartphones are today.
Join 450,000+ professionals from top companies like Microsoft, Apple, & Tesla and get the AI trends and tools you need to know to stay ahead of the curve 👇
