Last week, Y Combinator held its Summer 2025 Demo Day, unveiling an impressive lineup of over 160 startups. This event has become a hallmark for emerging companies, showcasing groundbreaking ideas and technologies that are set to shape the future.
In this latest batch, a significant trend emerged: while many startups still focus on artificial intelligence, the nature of their offerings has evolved. Rather than merely presenting “AI-powered” products, many are now creating AI agents or developing the essential infrastructure and tools to support them. This shift is particularly evident in the surge of voice AI solutions and businesses aimed at helping others capitalize on the burgeoning “AI economy” through advertising and marketing tools.
To gain insights into which startups captured the most attention and investment interest, we consulted several investors who specialize in Y Combinator ventures. Here are the standout companies that were frequently highlighted:
What it does: A billing solution tailored for AI startups
Why it’s a favorite: Many AI startups grapple with intricate pricing structures that combine flat fees with usage-based charges and additional costs. Managing these complex pricing models can be labor-intensive. This is where Autumn comes in, offering an open-source infrastructure that streamlines Stripe integration for AI startups. With hundreds of AI applications already utilizing its technology, Autumn is poised to become a key player in the fintech landscape, especially given the rapid expansion of the AI sector.
What it does: A platform for deploying AI agents
Why it’s a favorite: Similar to how Vercel assists developers in launching and hosting applications, Dedalus Labs provides a platform that automates the infrastructure needed for AI agents. This innovation significantly reduces the time required for coding, allowing developers to deploy agents with just a few clicks while managing complex tasks like autoscaling and load balancing.
What it does: Crowdsourced design ranking platform
Why it’s a favorite: The rapid generation of designs by AI presents a new challenge: discerning which designs are truly effective. Design Arena addresses this by crowdsourcing feedback on AI-generated visuals, creating a system that encourages continuous improvement of AI models. This approach has attracted interest from major AI labs looking to enhance their design capabilities.
What it does: Technology-driven distributor for Southeast Asian retailers
Why it’s a favorite: Founded by Raghav Arora at just 14 years old, Getasap Asia leverages technology to deliver supplies to local stores, restaurants, and supermarkets across Southeast Asia within eight hours. The startup has achieved impressive revenue growth and recently secured funding from a prominent venture capital firm, positioning it as one of the most valuable companies in its cohort.
What it does: AI tool for bug detection in software
Why it’s a favorite: Keystone, founded by 20-year-old Pablo Hansen, aims to minimize software failures. The company’s AI technology identifies and resolves bugs for clients, and it has already declined a significant acquisition offer, indicating strong confidence in its potential.
What it does: AI matchmaking service for female friendships
Why it’s a favorite: While dating apps are plentiful, RealRoots focuses on combating loneliness through friendship. Its AI matchmaker, Lisa, engages women in conversation and organizes social activities to foster connections. The startup has seen remarkable success, generating substantial revenue from a growing user base.
What it does: AI-driven automation for insurance claims
Why it’s a favorite: Solva’s AI streamlines routine tasks for insurance adjusters, enhancing efficiency in processing claims and preventing erroneous payouts. Just ten weeks post-launch, Solva has already achieved impressive annual recurring revenue, attracting significant investor interest.
What it does: Mini-missiles for counter-drone operations
Why it’s a favorite: With the increasing threat of drone swarms, Perseus is developing cost-effective mini-missiles designed to neutralize drones. The startup has garnered attention from various branches of the military, which could lead to lucrative contracts.
What it does: AI language learning tutor
Why it’s a favorite: While language learning apps have made strides, they often lack opportunities for real conversation. Pingo addresses this gap by allowing users to practice speaking with its AI, which mimics a native speaker. This innovative approach has led to rapid growth and impressive monthly revenue figures.