Kabilio’s €10M bet on AI agents could redefine accounting—if firms and clients trust the a

Barcelona’s Kabilio has raised €10 million to transform its accounting software into an AI agent capable of handling entire workflows for firms and their clients.

The new capital accelerates development of an AI system that goes beyond passive assistance. Instead of just flagging anomalies or suggesting bookkeeping entries, the agent will actively pull invoices and bank statements from inboxes, reconcile accounts, track missing data, and even reach out to clients via email or messaging apps—while accountants maintain final oversight. The shift reflects a broader industry push toward AI that doesn’t just optimize tasks but replaces parts of the workforce with autonomous systems.

Kabilio isn’t stopping at internal automation. It’s also introducing Kabilio Empresas, a platform that lets small businesses manage invoicing, bank connections, and cash flow tracking through their accountant’s existing system. Eventually, the AI agent will extend to these businesses, handling functions like sending invoices, reminding clients of overdue payments, and answering routine tax questions—all under the accountant’s control.

This approach distinguishes Kabilio from competitors. Belgian startup Ravical, for example, recently raised $17 million for its own AI accounting platform, while Visa is testing AI agents to automate supplier invoice payments. But Kabilio’s strategy—integrating AI into both the firm’s operations and client interactions—could reshape how accounting services are delivered.

Why it matters The €10 million round highlights a key transition in AI adoption: companies are no longer just using agents to streamline processes but treating them as quasi-employees. For Kabilio, the challenge isn’t just building a reliable system—it’s convincing accountants that the AI won’t overlook critical errors and persuading clients that their financial data is safe in an automated system. The beta launch this month will reveal whether firms are willing to delegate core tasks to an AI agent.

Kabilio’s rapid growth—from 100 to 500 firms in a year—shows strong demand for automation in accounting. But scaling to thousands of firms will require proving the agent’s reliability in high-stakes scenarios like tax filings or audit prep. Success could set a precedent for how AI agents integrate into professional services, not just as tools but as extensions of human roles.

What to watch Task delegation: Whether accounting firms adopt the agent for complex tasks—such as chasing overdue payments or identifying discrepancies—will determine if this is a niche efficiency upgrade or a broader industry shift. Client trust: Kabilio’s expansion into client-facing automation hinges on small businesses accepting that their financial data is managed by an AI rather than a human—a common barrier for automated financial tools. Competitive pressure: Ravical and Visa’s recent moves indicate AI in accounting is accelerating. Kabilio’s ability to embed its agent into both firm and client workflows will be key to standing out. Regulatory compliance: In Europe, where financial data privacy laws are strict, ensuring the AI adheres to legal standards will be essential.

The funding also marks a shift in AI development: from standalone applications to systems designed to function as part of a human team. For Kabilio, the question isn’t whether the agent can perform the tasks—but whether accountants and their clients are ready to trust it with control.

Sources: thenextweb.com