a16z-backed codi launches ai agent office manager

Codi Launches AI-Powered Office Management Platform

Codi, a startup receiving backing from Andreessen Horowitz and established by Christelle Rohaut and Dave Schuman, is introducing a novel platform designed to completely automate office administration through the power of artificial intelligence.

From Marketplace to Automation

Founded in 2018, prior to the global pandemic, Codi initially focused on connecting businesses with adaptable office locations. As previously detailed by TechCrunch, the company functioned as a marketplace, facilitating matches between companies and buildings offering flexible workspace solutions. Subsequent assistance was then provided during the relocation process.

According to Rohaut, the company’s CEO, the team previously handled office space and vendor management manually for their clientele. However, recent breakthroughs in AI technology have enabled them to effectively automate these processes.

“The earlier Codi model required securing space through our services. Now, this AI SaaS product can be utilized to automate office logistics regardless of how the office is leased,” she explained regarding the new offering.

Beta Release and Funding

The startup’s beta version of the AI office management product was made available in May, with the official launch occurring on Tuesday. Codi previously secured $16 million in Series A funding in 2022, spearheaded by a16z, bringing the total funding raised to date to $23 million.

Addressing the Return to Office

This technology arrives as the return-to-office trend gains momentum across the corporate landscape. Rohaut emphasized that office management remains largely a manual and inefficient process. She stated that administrative costs alone can amount to at least $80,000 annually for companies.

Evolving Role of the Office Manager

The responsibilities of office managers have undergone a transformation in recent years. With the rise of remote and hybrid work models post-pandemic, many formal office manager positions have remained vacant. Even when companies employ office managers, their time is increasingly devoted to event planning rather than core office logistics, she noted.

AI Training and Early Success

Rohaut explained that the Codi AI was trained using the extensive expertise and data accumulated by the team over several years. Company vendors are integrated into the AI system, enabling it to coordinate office needs such as pantry restocking and cleaning services. The company reported achieving $100,000 in ARR within just five weeks of the beta release.

Cost Savings and Efficiency

“This new platform is projected to save hundreds of administrative hours annually,” Rohaut stated. Codi operates on a monthly management fee, structured as a subscription, representing “a fraction of the cost of a full-time or part-time office manager, or even a fractional executive assistant,” she added.

Client Transition and New Signings

Rohaut indicated that a significant portion of their existing clients, previously utilizing Codi for office space management, are now transitioning to the AI platform. The new Codi product has already onboarded 40 new companies during the beta phase, including TaskRabbit and Northbeam.

Competitive Landscape

Rohaut identifies Codi’s competitors as traditional management companies and workplace experience platforms, such as Envoy. She highlighted that, unlike legacy management companies, Codi eliminates the need for staff to review, hire, and coordinate with individual vendors due to its autonomous execution and integration of a curated service provider network.

Furthermore, in contrast to workplace platforms, Codi focuses on coordinating the physical operations within an office environment.

Vision for the Future

“Codi is pioneering a future where offices can operate autonomously, much like self-driving cars,” Rohaut continued. “Our goal is to completely alleviate the logistical burdens of managing physical spaces, allowing organizations to concentrate on workplace culture and growth.”

Note: This article has been updated to ensure the correct spelling of Christelle Rohaut’s name.