The concept of intelligent agents operating personal computers with minimal human input has intrigued the tech community for years. By learning from a user's behavior or following pre-designed commands, these agents promise to automate repetitive tasks and enhance productivity. When I came across Simular, a startup ambitiously working on autonomous computer control, my curiosity piqued.
Simular’s project goes beyond browser-based task assistance to tackle what I see as a more foundational challenge, direct operating system-level control on Mac and Windows. Their recent $21.5 million funding round, led by Felicis and supported by Nvidia’s venture arm NVentures, further highlights their serious intent. It’s a strong indicator of how promising investors find the idea of agentic AI.
The startup’s approach addresses a critical pain point in developing dependable AI agents: the problem of reliability. As Simular co-founder Ang Li describes, many large language models (LLMs) struggle with inaccuracies or "hallucinations" when conducting complex workflows. Simular builds on the flexibility of LLMs, but they mitigate errors by relying on a method I found particularly insightful: human-audited trajectories. Each action is validated until it’s robust enough to be “locked” into deterministic code, which ensures consistent results. The open-source nature of this system, available first on Mac OS, also adds a collaborative edge, allowing developers and power users to inspect and enhance it.
Key Features That Caught My Eye
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Non-Browser Focus
Simular targets the broader desktop environment rather than limiting automation to web-based scenarios. This opens doors for systems to take over workflows involving niche industry software, something many browser-focused agents can’t touch. -
Local Processing
In contrast to cloud-heavy competitors, the decision to process tasks locally on the user’s machine strengthens data privacy, a major concern, especially in Europe, where strict GDPR rules apply. -
Enterprise Use Cases
The technology has already seen early adoption with beta customers such as car dealerships (automating vehicle identification number checks) and homeowner associations managing contract work. These case studies highlight its potential in industries bogged down by repetitive and time-consuming processes. -
Direct Interaction with Software Interfaces
Unlike LLMs designed for language interfaces, Simular agents can interact visually with the computer system, moving cursors, clicking, and even organizing files. This capability positions them as a more diverse tool for businesses looking to automate workflows across different digital tools. -
Community Involvement
Open sourcing the core of their product provides an opportunity for feedback loops between the Simular team and its users. This reflects their confidence in the product and opens avenues for collaboration, particularly with developers keen on refining agentic AI.
How to Get Started with Simular
If you're intrigued by the tech, you can download their Mac OS application and test out its workflow capabilities. Here’s a brief guide for fellow founders like me:
- Visit Their Official Website: Head over to Simular's product page for macOS.
- Download and Install the Application: Ensure you grant necessary permissions for full system integration.
- Experiment with Mini Automation Tasks: Start with smaller operations, such as scheduling tasks or data entry. This lets you gauge its potential before committing to larger workflows.
- Provide Feedback: Take advantage of their open-source framework to contribute or suggest modifications.
Startup life requires continuous improvement in productivity tools, and experimenting with accessible innovations like Simular can make significant long-term differences.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adopting Agentic AI
While the idea of handing over tedious tasks to intelligent agents might sound appealing, there are potential pitfalls.
- Blind Trust in Automation: While Simular removes much of the guesswork by “locking” verified workflows, it’s always wise to review automated tasks, at least during the initial integration phase.
- Ignoring Workforce Training: Employees need a clear understanding of how to use AI tools effectively. Without this, frustrations may rise instead of efficiency.
- Overlooking IT Security Implications: Although Simular operates locally, any form of system automation must be implemented in conjunction with strong security protocols.
Why This Matters for Entrepreneurs
As an entrepreneur, I’m always looking for tools that add value in tangible ways, shifting time from mundane tasks to innovation or strategic planning. What excites me about Simular’s model is its emphasis on user-first design, prioritizing transparency, security, and adaptability. By doing so, they might just unlock doors for businesses hesitant to explore agentic AI because of reliability concerns.
When exploring any new tool, especially one as intricate as this, ask yourself simple but essential questions: Will it save me time? Will it help me grow? Can I trust this system with sensitive information? In the case of Simular, the answers so far appear encouraging.
Simular’s decision to open their proprietary technology to the developer community signals not only a belief in their product but also an intention to foster collective growth and problem-solving. With their forthcoming expansion into Windows and the momentum provided by their recent funding, I’m keeping a close eye on this startup. Whether you’re running a small team or scaling a high-growth business as I do, considering a solution like Simular could lead to exciting new opportunities for efficiency and focus.
For those interested, check out their official website or delve into their recent updates to gauge their development progress further.
FAQ
1. What is Simular’s AI agent, and what does it do?
Simular’s AI agent automates tasks directly at the operating system level on Mac (and soon Windows), moving cursors, clicking, and interacting like a human to simplify workflows. Discover more about Simular AI for macOS
2. How does Simular address the issue of AI hallucinations?
Simular uses "human-audited trajectories," where each workflow step is verified before being converted into deterministic code, ensuring tasks are executed reliably without hallucinations. Learn about Simular’s AI hallucination fix
3. Who funded Simular’s $21.5 million Series A round?
Investors like Felicis, Nvidia’s NVentures, South Park Commons, Basis Set Ventures, and others participated in the funding round, strengthening Simular’s position in agentic AI. Read about Simular’s funding milestone
4. What industries are early adopters of Simular’s technology?
Beta users include a car dealership automating VIN checks and homeowner associations extracting data from contracts, showcasing its flexible application in diverse sectors. Explore Simular’s real-world use cases
5. What sets Simular apart from browser-focused automation tools?
By focusing on desktop environments rather than browsers, Simular enables automation for niche industry software and complex workflows involving multiple tools. Learn about Simular’s non-browser focus
6. How does Simular handle user privacy concerns?
Simular processes tasks locally on the user’s machine, avoiding cloud reliance and strengthening data security, a critical aspect for privacy-focused regions like Europe.
7. Can developers modify Simular’s AI agent?
Yes, Simular’s core technology is open source, allowing developers to inspect, enhance, and customize the system for specific needs. Learn about Simular’s open-source initiative
8. Where can I download Simular’s AI agent for macOS?
You can download the agent and start using it via the Simular official product page. Download Simular for macOS
9. When will Simular’s AI agent be available for Windows users?
Simular plans to expand to Windows users soon following its integration into the Windows 365 for Agents accelerator program. Check out Windows 365 AI integration
10. Why is Simular seen as a significant player in agentic AI?
Simular combines deterministic reliability, local privacy, and open-source flexibility, tackling long-standing issues like AI hallucinations, making it a trusted choice for businesses. Learn about Simular’s market position
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.