Core Viewpoint - Builder.ai, an AI programming company founded by Sachin Dev Duggal, has been exposed for operating without actual AI technology, relying instead on human developers to create software, leading to its bankruptcy after eight years of misleading investors [6][30][66]. Group 1: Company Background and Operations - Builder.ai was founded in 2016 in London, aiming to simplify software development for non-engineers, promoting the idea that building software could be as easy as ordering a pizza [13][64]. - The company raised over $445 million in funding from notable investors including SoftBank, Microsoft, and Qatar Investment Authority, achieving a valuation exceeding $1.5 billion [19][60]. - The platform claimed to combine modular code components with human developers, coordinated by AI, but in reality, most work was done manually by Indian developers [20][22]. Group 2: Financial Misrepresentation and Collapse - Builder.ai was accused of inflating its revenue by 300% and providing exaggerated financial forecasts to investors, which ultimately led to a loss of trust and financial backing [6][50][42]. - Following the exposure of its fraudulent practices, Viola Credit froze $37 million of its investment, leaving Builder.ai with only $5 million, which was insufficient to cover operational costs [7][48]. - The company filed for bankruptcy in May 2025, with significant debts including $85 million owed to Amazon and $30 million to Microsoft [58][55]. Group 3: Industry Implications and Comparisons - The situation with Builder.ai has sparked discussions about the necessity of technical due diligence in AI investments, especially for startups and SMEs relying on such services [66]. - The failure of Builder.ai is likened to the Theranos scandal, highlighting the risks of companies that misrepresent their technological capabilities to attract investment [71]. - Despite this collapse, the low-code/no-code market remains resilient, with projections indicating significant growth in the coming years [68].
15亿美元AI独角兽崩塌,全是印度程序员冒充,只有人工没有智能?微软亚马逊惨遭忽悠
创业邦·2025-05-25 09:40