USA
Indian American Yale Students Launch Spur to Transform No-Code Testing Automation. Recent Yale graduates Sneha Sivakumar and Anushka Nijhawan are making waves in the tech world with their new startup, Spur. This innovative company, launched officially this week, offers a no-code testing automation tool powered by artificial intelligence web agents. Designed to simplify the process for companies testing their web applications, Spur’s tool eliminates the need for writing code, making it accessible and efficient for users.
The journey of Spur began in the duo’s senior year at Yale, where they built the foundational technology from scratch. Their AI-powered tool interacts with web browsers, allowing users to ensure their applications work seamlessly without the hassle of manual coding. “A lot of companies spend a lot of time writing tests for their web applications, and our entire company is about automating that process and making it really easy,” said Sivakumar, highlighting the core mission of their venture.
Both graduates completed their degrees in Computer Science and have a history of collaborating on various tech projects since they met during their freshman year. Over time, they realized their passion for creating impactful solutions, which led them to explore the entrepreneurial route. One of their early projects included a user experience research application aimed at addressing gaps in that area of tech.
Spur’s development was closely tied to their academic work. It started as a project in a course taught by Professor Arman Cohan, who provided mentorship and guidance. The startup also benefited from Yale’s Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking (Tsai CITY), which awarded them a $500 grant. This support allowed them to utilize Tsai CITY’s collaborative workspace extensively, helping them refine their product.
The significant breakthrough for Spur came when they were accepted into Y Combinator, one of the world’s most prestigious startup accelerators. Y Combinator provided Spur with $500,000 in funding in exchange for a 7.5% equity stake. Over a three-month program starting in July, the founders will receive mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and participate in a community of around 200 to 300 companies. The program includes regular meetings and culminates in a demo day, where startups present to investors to secure further funding.
Professor Cohan’s AI Foundation Models class also played a crucial role in shaping the direction of Spur. His expertise and connections in the tech industry were invaluable to Sivakumar and Nijhawan, who worked closely with him on their senior thesis.
The founders of Spur acknowledge the challenges of startup life, which involves more than just developing software. They are also learning the ropes of marketing, sales, accounting, human resources, and tax management. Despite the long hours and stress, Sivakumar and Nijhawan are driven by the excitement of turning their vision into reality. They are not only developing a product but also learning essential business skills on the fly.
Spur’s no-code solution represents a significant advancement in the field of software testing, potentially transforming how companies approach quality assurance for web applications. As Sivakumar and Nijhawan continue to grow their startup, they remain committed to simplifying tech processes and making innovative solutions accessible to businesses of all sizes. With their passion and drive, the future looks bright for these Yale graduates and their groundbreaking startup, Spur.
