Stainless: Generating SDKs for Tech Giants like OpenAI, etc.
Devs have long awaited tech vendors to supply software development kits (SDKs) alongside their products. This would simplify the process of creating apps. However, many vendors only offer APIs, which are basic communication protocols. Alex Rattray, the founder of Stainless, believes AI can play a crucial role. Stainless uses a compiler to automatically generate SDKs from APIs on the fly. Without an SDK, API users have to rely on reading API docs and building everything themselves. There is no easy way for vendors to create SDKs at scale. Stainless takes in an API spec and generates SDKs in multiple programming languages like Python, TypeScript, Kotlin, and Go. As APIs evolve, the platform pushes updates with versioning and changelog options. While typical vendors have in-house devs build libraries, Stainless uses AI to create an initial config that teams can fine-tune. This avoids library inconsistency and outdated issues, leading to quicker upgrades and faster integration. Rattray claims that we are entering a world where everyone has an expert-level engineer in their pocket. With this shift, APIs will become the primary interface for all users, and companies without excellent APIs will become outdated. Much of Stainless' functionality is based on Rattray's industry experiences. He picked up programming while at UPenn and later worked at Stripe, where he helped with API documentation and launched the API client SDK. Stainless is not the only API-to-SDK generator. There are others like LibLab and Speakeasy, as well as open source projects like the OpenAPI Generator. But Rattray argues that Stainless offers more "polish" due to its compiler. Many customers have tried the OpenAPI Generator but found its output lacking in code quality. This polish has attracted tech giants like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta to Stainless' platform, along with other companies like Runway, Groq, Cerebras, Modern Treasury, and Cloudflare. Rattray claims that Stainless has hundreds of paying customers and its SDKs are downloaded millions of times weekly. Most customers pay for the enterprise tier, which includes additional services and AI functionality. Publishing a single SDK is free, but multiple SDKs cost between $250 a month and $30,000 a year. Rattray said the company's annual recurring revenue is around $1 million and it is nearing profitability. To grow, Stainless recently closed a $25 million Series A led by a16z with participation from Sequoia, The General Partnership, Felicis, Zapier, and MongoDB. The new funds will be used to expand the 20-person team in New York. Rattray added that the business is efficient but they raised funds to accelerate development towards their vision. SDKs are just the first step; their vision is to build a comprehensive platform for all API-related needs. Unlock the Power of APIs with Stainless' AI-Driven SDKs
Tech Vendors and the SDK Dilemma
Devs have been expecting tech vendors to provide SDKs alongside their products. But the reality is that many only offer APIs. This creates a challenge for developers who need to build apps using these products. Stainless steps in with its innovative approach using AI to generate SDKs from APIs.
Without an SDK, API users have to do a lot of work themselves. They have to read API docs and build everything from scratch. This is not an efficient process. Stainless' solution automates this process and makes it easier for developers to create apps.
The Stainless Approach
Stainless takes in an API spec and generates SDKs in multiple programming languages. This allows developers to choose the language they are most comfortable with. As APIs evolve, Stainless' platform pushes updates with versioning and changelog options.
Unlike typical vendors who have in-house devs building libraries, Stainless uses AI to create an initial config. This config can then be fine-tuned by teams to meet their specific API needs. This approach avoids problems like library inconsistency and outdated issues.
The Impact of Stainless
Rattray believes that we are entering a world where everyone has an expert-level engineer in their pocket. With this shift, APIs will become the primary interface for all users. Companies without excellent APIs will be left behind.
Stainless' functionality is based on Rattray's industry experiences. He has seen firsthand the challenges of working with APIs and the need for better solutions. Stainless is not just another API-to-SDK generator; it offers more "polish" due to its compiler.
Customer Success and Growth
Stainless has attracted many tech giants and other companies with its platform. It has hundreds of paying customers and its SDKs are downloaded millions of times weekly.
The company's enterprise tier offers additional services and AI functionality. Publishing a single SDK is free, but multiple SDKs come at a cost. Rattray said the company's annual recurring revenue is around $1 million and it is nearing profitability.
Future Plans and Funding
To grow, Stainless recently closed a $25 million Series A led by a16z with participation from other investors. The new funds will be used to expand the team and continue developing the platform.
Rattray added that SDKs are just the first step. Their vision is to build a comprehensive platform for all API-related needs. This shows their ambition and commitment to the field.
