Y Combinator’s $500K bet on Plexe: open-source AI agents reshape machine learning

Y Combinator’s spring 2025 cohort is pioneering agentic AI with 70 startups, each receiving $500,000. Plexe, led by Vaibhav Dubey and Marcello De Bernardi, stands out by developing open-source AI agents that translate natural language into predictive machine-learning models, signaling a shift toward more accessible AI innovation.

Sources:
Business Insider
Updated 2h ago
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Sources: Business Insider
Y Combinator’s spring 2025 accelerator batch has spotlighted agentic AI startups, investing $500,000 in each of the 70 selected companies. Among them, Plexe, founded by Vaibhav Dubey and Marcello De Bernardi in San Francisco, is pioneering open-source AI agents that generate predictive machine-learning models from natural language prompts.

This approach aims to democratize machine learning by enabling users to build models without extensive coding expertise. Plexe’s technology leverages natural language inputs to create sophisticated predictive tools, potentially reshaping how AI models are developed and deployed.

The intensive three-month program supports startups like Plexe alongside others such as Galen AI, which integrates healthcare and fitness data for personalized advice, and Approval AI, which automates mortgage processes.

“Plexe builds open-source agents that build predictive machine-learning models from natural language prompts,” highlighting its innovative edge in the AI landscape.

Y Combinator’s commitment to agentic AI reflects a broader trend toward autonomous, intelligent systems capable of complex decision-making and automation.

“Y Combinator's spring 2025 batch featured 70 startups focused on agentic AI,” underscoring the accelerator’s strategic focus on this emerging technology sector.

With substantial funding and mentorship, Plexe and its cohort are positioned to influence the future of AI development, emphasizing accessibility and open-source collaboration.

This investment signals growing confidence in AI agents that can interpret natural language to build predictive models, potentially transforming industries reliant on machine learning.
Sources: Business Insider
Y Combinator’s spring 2025 batch invested $500,000 in Plexe, a startup building open-source AI agents that create predictive machine-learning models from natural language prompts. Plexe, founded by Vaibhav Dubey and Marcello De Bernardi, is part of a 70-startup cohort focused on agentic AI innovations.
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The Headline

Y Combinator invests $500K in 70 agentic AI startups including Plexe

Key Facts
  • Y Combinator's spring 2025 batch is its first-ever focused on agentic AI startups, featuring 70 companies.Business Insider
  • Each selected startup in this batch receives an investment of $500,000 from Y Combinator.Business Insider
  • Plexe, founded by Vaibhav Dubey and Marcello De Bernardi in San Francisco, develops open-source AI agents that create predictive machine-learning models from natural language prompts.Business Insider
Key Stats at a Glance
Number of startups in Y Combinator's spring 2025 batch
70 startups
Business Insider
Investment amount per startup by Y Combinator
$500,000
Business Insider
Background Context

Other notable startups: Galen AI and Approval AI in health and mortgage automation

Key Facts
  • Galen AI, founded by Priyanka Shrestha and Viraj Mehta in 2025, connects healthcare records and fitness tracker data to provide personalized AI health and wellness advice.Business Insider
  • Approval AI, founded by Arjun Lalwani and Helly Shah in San Francisco in 2025, offers an AI co-pilot that automates the mortgage process including rate shopping, negotiation, and paperwork.Business Insider
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