Console Raises $6.2M to Automate Team Tasks with AI

The Need for Streamlined IT Support

Experiencing a lockout from a work computer highlights the immediate requirement for accessible IT assistance. However, help desk personnel are frequently occupied with other requests, potentially causing substantial delays in restoring access.

From Observation to Innovation

Andrei Serban recognized the significance of manual processes within IT during his tenure as a product lead at Rippling, focusing on apps and integrations. Following Rippling’s acquisition of his coding security startup, Fuzzbuzz, in 2023, Serban identified an opportunity to leverage AI to automate routine help desk functions.

These functions include password resets, application access provisioning – such as for Figma and Miro – and standard troubleshooting procedures.

The Founding of Console

Driven by this vision, Serban departed from Rippling last year to establish Console. The startup’s core mission is to alleviate IT teams from repetitive, time-consuming tasks.

This would allow help desk professionals to concentrate on more strategic and complex projects.

Differentiating Console from Competitors

Although automating help desk operations isn't novel, Console distinguishes itself from competitors like Moveworks (acquired by ServiceNow for $2.85 billion in March) through its simplified implementation process.

Its seamless integration with Slack enables deployment of the AI assistant company-wide within weeks.

A Collaborative Approach to IT

“Our rapid deployment is facilitated by the fact that we don’t necessitate replacing your existing help desk infrastructure,” Serban explained.

Console positions itself as an AI collaborator, enhancing the capabilities of current help desk staff. Serban anticipates that the IT function will gain increasing importance as organizations continue to digitize their operations.

How Console's AI Works

Employees interact with Console via Slack, and the startup’s AI agent provides swift responses.

The agent possesses comprehensive knowledge of each user, including their laptop specifications and application permissions.

Console’s AI independently resolves over 50% of incoming requests, escalating more intricate issues to IT personnel, according to Serban.

Early Adoption and Funding

The speed of installation has attracted early adopters, including Scale AI, Flock Safety, and Calendly.

These initial successes have resulted in $6.2 million in seed funding secured from Thrive Capital.

Thrive Capital’s Investment Thesis

Vince Hankes, a partner at Thrive Capital, stated that the firm, a backer of prominent AI companies like OpenAI, Cursor, and Scale AI, recognized the potential of artificial intelligence to assist with IT tasks following the release of ChatGPT in late 2022.

Hankes believes that Console’s rapid integration, while seemingly easily replicated, will be strengthened by continuous AI improvements driven by user adoption.

This will transform it into an essential, deeply embedded system for all users within a client organization.

Future Expansion Plans

Console intends to broaden its support scope to encompass other departments, including HR, finance, and legal, addressing employee inquiries across these areas.

“Our ultimate goal is for Console to be the first point of contact for employees seeking assistance,” Serban concluded.