Console Secures $6.2M to Revolutionize IT Support with Seamless AI Automation
AI-Powered Help Desk Promises Faster Resolutions and Less Burnout for IT Teams
Anyone who’s ever found themselves locked out of their work device knows the frustration—and urgency—of trying to contact IT support. Unfortunately, traditional help desks often face a backlog of issues, leading to long wait times and decreased productivity across organizations.
Recognizing this challenge firsthand, Andrei Serban, former product lead at HR tech giant Rippling, set out to reinvent the help desk experience using artificial intelligence. Drawing from his time managing app integrations—and after Rippling’s acquisition of his security startup Fuzzbuzz in 2023—Serban saw a clear opportunity: what if routine IT tasks could be automated entirely?
A Fresh Take on Help Desk Automation
In 2024, Serban left Rippling to launch Console, a startup with a mission to eliminate the repetitive workload that burdens IT professionals. From password resets to granting access to tools like Figma and Miro, Console’s AI assistant is designed to handle the basics so help desk staff can focus on higher-value projects.
While AI for IT support is not new, Console distinguishes itself with its swift implementation and integration, especially with workplace tools like Slack. Unlike competitors that require lengthy and complex setup procedures—such as Moveworks, which was acquired by ServiceNow for $2.85 billion in March—Console can be up and running across an organization in just a few weeks.
“We’re able to get there so fast because we don’t require you to replace your help desk,” said Serban.
Designed to Support, Not Replace
Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for human IT professionals, Console positions its platform as a collaborative tool that enhances existing teams. Employees can message Console directly via Slack, where the AI agent quickly identifies who they are, what device they’re using, and what applications they have access to.
Serban claims the AI can independently resolve over 50% of all help desk tickets, escalating only the more complex requests to human agents.
“We want Console to be an employee’s first call for help,” Serban added.
Backed by Thrive Capital and Trusted by Top Companies
Console’s simplified deployment and immediate value have already drawn in high-profile customers including Scale AI, Flock Safety, and Calendly.
These early wins also helped the company raise $6.2 million in seed funding, led by Thrive Capital.
Vince Hankes, a partner at Thrive, said the firm—whose portfolio includes OpenAI, Cursor, and Scale AI—has believed in AI’s potential for enterprise IT since the release of ChatGPT in late 2022.
“Console’s fast setup might seem like it makes them replaceable,” Hankes said, “but the reality is their AI will improve so rapidly with usage that it becomes a critical part of the company’s infrastructure.”
Expanding Beyond IT: A Vision for Company-Wide Support
Though currently focused on IT, Console aims to broaden its scope in the near future. Plans are underway to extend its AI assistant to answer employee inquiries in HR, finance, and legal—turning it into a go-to support agent across departments.
“We want Console to be an employee’s first call for help,” Serban reiterated.
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