A startup founded by former Google DeepMind scientists to improve code with AI has raised $5 million.
Hiverge, based in Cambridge, UK, has developed an AI technology to automate algorithm design for companies, with the aim of surpassing what human engineers can do alone.
The startup was founded by Alhussein Fawzi and Bernardino Romera-Paredes, who worked on Google’s coding agent, AlphaEvolve, during its early stages, along with Hamza Fawzi, a University of Cambridge professor.
“What really differentiates companies is the algorithms they use under the hood,” Alhussein Fawzi, the CEO of Hiverge, told Business Insider. “And so what we are doing at Hiverge is designing smart algorithms that go beyond existing algorithms — automatically.”
Engineers can submit a request to improve code on the startup’s platform, “The Hive,” which it refers to as an “algorithm factory.” It uses a technique called program synthesis, in which AI generates an algorithm to meet clearly specified functions, rather than being told how to create it.
Alhussein Fawzi gave the example of instructing the technology to shorten AI model training times by refining existing algorithms, but it could also apply to other areas, like improving runtime for supply chain software.
Unlike vibe coding, in which anyone can prompt AI to create software, Alhussein Fawzi says Hiverge is focused on helping engineers improve backend code with AI instead of a user creating front-end applications. Or, as the CEO put it, Hiverge is working with verifiable pieces of code that are “not just based on vibes.”
Hiverge has been active since late 2024 but has only just emerged from stealth. It is still experimenting with its business model through proof of concepts, Alhussein Fawzi said, adding that it would most likely license its platform to customers.
Alhussein Fawzi left Google DeepMind in August 2024 after six and a half years, during which he worked on projects like AlphaEvolve, the company’s Gemini-powered agent that’s largely used internally to improve hardware algorithms.
Flying Fish Ventures led Hiverge’s seed funding round, which also attracted investment from Ahren Innovation Capital and Google’s chief scientist, Jeff Dean, among others.
Alhussein Fazwi told Business Insider that the funding process was “quick” and lasted “two to three months” from the first investor meeting to deal close. The startup said it plans to use the fresh funding to accelerate its go-to-market, support product development, and expand its research capabilities.
Here’s an exclusive look at the pitch deck that Hiverge used to raise its $5 million seed round.
