Which AI AI Developer Tools tool is better in 2026?
Founded by Kai-Fu Lee — maker of the Yi model family.
The collaborative data workspace with AI.
| 01.AI | Hex | |
|---|---|---|
| Tagline | Founded by Kai-Fu Lee — maker of the Yi model family. | The collaborative data workspace with AI. |
| Founded | 2023 | 2019 |
| HQ | Beijing, CN | San Francisco, US |
| Employees | 201-500 | 51-200 |
| Total funding | $1B | $68M |
| Latest round | Series A · Nov 6, 2023 | Series B · May 24, 2022 |
| Valuation | — | — |
| Pricing | Freemium | Freemium · From $24/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Categories |
Choose 01.AI if price matters most — it starts at Freemium, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Developer Tools tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose 01.AI if you want the most established option — it has raised $1B, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
It depends on your priority. 01.AI has raised more capital and is the more established option; Hex has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Yes — 01.AI starts at Freemium, while Hex starts at Freemium · From $24/mo.
01.AI: Paid only. Hex: Paid only.
Contextual paths to related AI startups, deals and rankings.