Alation has acquired Numbers Station to boost its AI agent capabilities and make enterprise data tools smarter. The move helps Alation deliver AI agents that work directly with structured data—something many businesses still struggle to tap into effectively.
Although the financial details were not shared, Numbers Station is a well-backed startup. It has raised over $17 million from investors like Norwest Venture Partners, Madrona, and Factory. The company specializes in AI-native data apps that already integrate with enterprise systems.
Alation plans to merge Numbers Station’s tech into its own products by the end of this quarter. CEO Satyen Sangani says the platforms are so compatible that integration can happen quickly. That speed was a major factor in the acquisition.
Sangani noted a growing shift toward large language models (LLMs) for data use. But because LLMs can hallucinate or generate false answers, most companies still hesitate to use them. To bridge this gap, Alation wants to create a layer that helps LLMs connect with accurate, structured data.
Numbers Station already builds those kinds of AI agents. That made it a natural fit. Adding to the appeal, one of Alation’s co-founders, Venky Ganti, had spent years working at Numbers Station.
Sangani believes the biggest challenge in AI adoption is making LLMs work safely with enterprise databases. Solving that could unlock real value for businesses.
Alation started developing its own AI agents last year. Its first tools—one for data quality, another for documentation—will roll out this quarter. However, buying Numbers Station helps speed up their roadmap and adds more advanced tools to the mix.
Alation brings deep context to the table. It has vast metadata libraries, robust enterprise connectors, and years of industry knowledge. Numbers Station brings cutting-edge LLM tools. Together, they can make AI agents smarter and more reliable.
Founded in 2012, Alation now works with over 600 enterprise clients. Its customers include big names like Nasdaq, Hertz, and Samsung. The company has raised more than $300 million from top investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Sapphire Ventures, and General Catalyst. It reached a $1.7 billion valuation in 2022.
This deal sets the stage for a new phase in enterprise AI. With Numbers Station’s help, Alation aims to deliver smart, scalable AI agents that give businesses real answers—without the risks.
