If you've ever had early access to an app or software program, you know how buggy things can get. But even the most meticulous developers can be blind to little problems in their code.
That's where code reviews come in. Similar to how writers need editors, developers typically need a second (or third, fourth, etc) set of eyes on their work to help avoid glitches or, worse, a flaw that exposes user data.
PullRequest, an Austin-based startup, is tackling the problem by using artificial intelligence, on-demand professional reviewers and other tools to help companies streamline their review process and catch code errors before launch.
On Friday, the company announced it has raised an $8 million Series A funding round led by Gradient Ventures, an AI-focused venture fund created by Google. Y Combinator, Fika Ventures, Lynett Capital and Defy Partners, which were part of PullRequest's $2.3 million seed round last December, also invested in the Series A.
PullRequest plans to use the funding to expand its team and invest in product upgrades, including a newly launched on-site software product that lets internal development teams connect with on-demand code reviewers.
“From one-person startups to Fortune 500 teams, our core objective is to help developers produce high quality code," PullRequest CEO Lyal Avery said in a news release. "So long as we’re making developers’ lives easier and letting engineering managers sleep better, we know we’re on the right track."
In addition to AI automation, PullRequest works with professional developers who may have time to conduct reviews in their spare time and sets them up with remote work opportunities and flexible schedules.
"We believe code quality and access to on demand, skilled jobs are two critical drivers for the economy’s successful transition to a tech enabled era.,” Ben Lynett, managing director at Lynett Capital, said in the release.
