AI coding startups are becoming a hotspot for VCs. Here are the 12 copilots that have landed funding from funds like a16z, Lightspeed, and Menlo Ventures.

• VCs are investing in generative AI coding and copilot startups.
• AI coding tools automate coding tasks, allowing developers to focus on creativity.
• BI has identified which startups in the space have so far raised the most funding from VCs.

The AI revolution shows no signs of slowing down, and some VCs are turning their attention to a new corner of the market: generative AI coding and copilot startups.

This tech, which automates parts of the coding process and offers real-time assistance to developers, aims to reduce the time and complexity involved in writing software. By upping productivity and eliminating repetitive tasks, AI copilots let developers focus on more creative and strategic aspects of programming.

“I’m really high on AI coding assistants,” Menlo Ventures partner Tim Tully recently told Business Insider. “Opportunities in this space are pretty compelling.”

Kanu Gulati, a partner at Khosla Ventures, is also searching for AI copilots that could be a valuable investment. Last year, she invested in Korbit, an “AI mentor” that reviews code and teaches engineers how to fix problems.

According to PitchBook, US VC deal activity for generative AI coding tools has grown in the last year, from more than $420 million in all of 2023 to more than $780 million so far in 2024 (PitchBook’s analysis includes deals through September 27).

The deal count was down during that same time period; however, 50 deals were done in this space during all of 2023, compared to 35 so far this year through September 2024.

Business Insider partnered with PitchBook to identify which AI coding and copilot startups have raised the most money so far from VCs like a16z, Lightspeed Venture Partners, solo capitalist Elad Gil, and others. The startups are listed in descending order based on the size of their most recent funding round.