Browser Use Secures $17M to Enhance AI Agents’ Website Navigation

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the concept of an “AI agent” is gaining traction. A multitude of startups are emerging with innovative tools aimed at automating tasks online. One such company, Browser Use, has garnered significant attention from both developers and investors for its groundbreaking solution that enhances website readability for AI agents.

Funding Success for Browser Use

Browser Use recently announced a successful seed funding round, raising $17 million. This round was led by Felicis’ Astasia Myers, with contributions from notable investors such as Paul Graham, A Capital, and Nexus Venture Partners. This significant funding was previously unreported and marks a pivotal moment for the company.

Part of Y Combinator’s 2025 Winter Batch

As a participant in Y Combinator’s 2025 winter batch, Browser Use has gained notoriety recently. The company’s technology was prominently featured in the viral Manus tool by the Chinese startup Butterfly Effect, boosting its visibility in the market.

The Founders: A Visionary Team

Founded in 2022 by Magnus Müller and Gregor Zunic through ETH Zurich’s Student Project House accelerator, Browser Use was born from a shared vision in the realm of data science. Müller, who had extensive experience with web-scraping tools, and Zunic, who he met during their master’s program in 2024, collaborated to merge web scraping with data science, enabling browsers to perform specific tasks effectively.

A Quick Rise to Popularity

Within just five weeks, Müller and Zunic developed a demo for Browser Use, which quickly gained traction. They further enhanced its appeal by open-sourcing the tool, allowing wider access and collaboration.

Transforming Website Interaction for AI Agents

Browser Use’s technology simplifies website elements into a more comprehensible, “text-like” format that AI agents can easily interpret. This transformation is crucial for enabling agents to autonomously make decisions and navigate websites efficiently.

• Browser Use converts complex website structures into digestible formats.
• This approach allows agents to run repetitive tasks at a reduced cost.
• Müller notes that traditional vision-based systems often struggle with frequently changing websites.

Addressing Challenges for AI Agents

As the demand for AI agents that can seamlessly interact with websites grows, Müller believes that Browser Use can serve as a fundamental layer in this ecosystem. He mentioned that over 20 companies within the current Y Combinator Winter batch are leveraging Browser Use to enhance their operations.

“Many companies are approaching us to explore ways to facilitate agent navigation on their websites,” Müller stated. He cited examples like LinkedIn, where constant updates can disrupt agent functionality.

The Future of Web AI Agents

According to Myers from Felicis, the firm has been closely monitoring the AI agents sector for several years. Browser Use presented an ideal opportunity to expand their portfolio in this dynamic field. She remarked, “We believe that web AI agents represent the next frontier for automating human tasks from end to end.”

In summary, Browser Use is positioning itself as a key player in the AI landscape, focusing on enhancing the interaction between AI agents and websites. As the demand for efficient online automation continues to rise, this innovative approach could redefine how agents operate in the digital world.