Amplitude Acquires Command AI to Enhance App Engagement

Amplitude, a publicly-traded company specializing in digital analytics software, has acquired Command AI, a startup focused on app user engagement previously known as CommandBar.

The majority of Command AI's 30-person team based in San Francisco will be joining Amplitude. James Evans, co-founder and CEO of Command AI, declined to disclose the terms of the deal but acknowledged that an acquisition wasn't part of their initial plans.

"Our growth was impressive, and we had ample runway," Evans told TechCrunch. "We weren't actively seeking acquisition opportunities. However, when Amplitude reached out this past summer, we became very excited about the potential combination. We were convinced that by joining forces, we could achieve faster growth and reach a wider audience."

Command AI's Journey and Products

Evans founded Command AI in 2021 to simplify the integration of search functionality into web apps. Alongside co-founders Richard Freling and Vinay Ayyala, they developed Command AI's initial product: an in-app search bar that delivered personalized results, shortcuts, and highlighted new app enhancements.

Over time, Command AI expanded its product portfolio to include a chatbot and AI Co-Browsing, a feature that guides users through in-app functionalities by effectively taking control of their mouse. A more recent tool under development, Nudge Autopilot, automatically displays "nudges" (reminders to explore certain app features) to users based on specific metrics.

Evans mentioned that 25 million end-users regularly interact with Command AI's products through apps created by clients such as Hashicorp, Gusto, Yotpo, and LaunchDarkly. Prior to the Amplitude acquisition, Command AI secured $23.8 million in funding from investors including Insight Partners, Itai Tsiddon, and Thrive Capital.

Image Credits: Command AI

Integration of Command AI's Technology into Amplitude

Amplitude CEO and co-founder Spenser Skates stated that Command AI will empower Amplitude to provide "personalized user assistance" through in-product tours, onboarding experiences, and more.

Specifically, early next year, Command AI will launch checklists and guides for Amplitude, enabling customers to create app and website action plans and interactive product tours. Announcements, another Command AI-powered feature coming to Amplitude, will allow customers to set up "smart triggers" in apps for updates and special offers.

Evans views these integrations as a natural progression for Command AI, which has offered connectors to Amplitude for some time.

"There's a strong connection between tools that analyze user behavior, like Amplitude, and those that influence user behavior, like us," he explained. "Imagine you identify a user segment that seems disengaged with your product. You might want to ask those users a question through a survey or guide them towards a feature they might find valuable, then gather that feedback or observe the impact of the change. We've always facilitated this connection through integration, but being part of the same team will enable us to build a much tighter feedback loop."

Command AI's Future and Leadership Changes

Following the completion of the deal, Evans will assume the role of director of product at Amplitude, while Ayyala will become engineering director. They will jointly oversee Amplitude's new Command AI product organization, which will continue serving existing Command AI customers until the end of the year.

Amplitude's Acquisition History and Customer Base

Command AI marks Amplitude's third acquisition since its inception a decade ago. In 2020, Amplitude acquired ClearBrain, a predictive analytics company, and in 2021, it purchased data pipeline firm Iteratively.

Amplitude claims to have over 2,700 paying customers, including 26 of the Fortune 100.

Summary

• Amplitude acquired Command AI, a startup specializing in app user engagement.
• Command AI's technology will enhance Amplitude's offerings with personalized user assistance, checklists, guides, and announcements.
• Command AI's co-founders, James Evans and Vinay Ayyala, will join Amplitude's leadership team.
• Amplitude has a strong track record of acquisitions and boasts a large customer base.