What They Did
Adept AI was a startup that raised $400 million to build AI agents capable of performing software tasks on behalf of users. The company aimed to create an AI that could use any software tool the way a human would, navigating interfaces, clicking buttons, and completing workflows autonomously.
How LLMs Killed Them
Despite raising significant capital, Adept AI never launched a product and was absorbed by Amazon in another high-profile reverse acquihire. Amazon hired CEO David Luan and approximately 80% of the roughly 100-person team, licensing the company's intellectual property. The deal left a shell company with only about 20 remaining employees.
Timeline
- 2022-2023: Raised $400M in venture funding to build AI agents for software tasks.
- June 2024: Amazon hired CEO David Luan and roughly 80% of the ~100-person team.
- June 2024: Amazon licensed Adept's intellectual property as part of the deal.
- 2024: Only approximately 20 employees remained at the company.
- 2024: FTC opened an investigation into the deal's structure.
By the Numbers
- $400M raised in venture funding
- ~80% of team hired by Amazon
- Only ~20 employees remained
- Zero products ever launched
- FTC investigation opened