Individuals with no coding experience are now realizing they can develop their own custom applications using “vibe coding” solutions like Lovable. These tools translate plain-language descriptions into functional code.
While prompt-to-code tools are beneficial for creating prototypes, transitioning them to full-scale production can be challenging without integrating the application with external tech services. These services include sending text messages via SMS, emails, and processing payments through platforms like Stripe.
Ilan Zerbib, former director of engineering for payments at Shopify, is working on a solution to simplify backend infrastructure for non-technical creators.
Last year, Zerbib launched Sapiom, a startup focused on developing the financial layer that enables AI agents to securely purchase and access software, APIs, data, and compute power. This system creates a payment mechanism that allows AI to autonomously procure necessary services.
When an AI agent connects to an external tool such as Twilio for SMS, it necessitates authentication and a micro-payment. Sapiom aims to streamline this process, enabling AI agents to independently make purchasing decisions without human intervention.
Amit Kumar from Accel emphasizes the importance of providing AI agents with efficient access to services that require payments. This is why Accel is leading Sapiom’s $15 million seed funding round, joined by investors like Okta Ventures, Gradient Ventures, and others.
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Kumar highlights that every API call, text message sent, or server spun up on AWS entails a payment. Sapiom’s infrastructure solution aims to be adopted by vibe-coding companies and AI agent creators to streamline the process.
While Sapiom currently targets B2B solutions, its technology has the potential to empower personal AI agents for consumer transactions. The vision is for individuals to trust agents to autonomously make financial decisions, like ordering an Uber or shopping on Amazon.
Zerbib believes that AI won’t inherently drive increased consumer spending. Therefore, Sapiom focuses on creating financial layers for businesses rather than individuals.
