Micro1 operates a platform that recruits, vets and manages human experts for AI data labeling and training. The company built an AI recruiter called Zara that interviews and vets candidates and says it has recruited thousands of experts, including professors from Stanford and Harvard, with plans to add hundreds more every week. CEO Ali Ansari (24) says Micro1 works with leading AI labs including Microsoft as well as several Fortune 100 companies. Micro1 reports $50 million in annual recurring revenue, up from $7 million at the start of 2025. The startup is developing new offerings in the "environments" space — virtual workspaces to train AI agents — to meet evolving demand from AI labs. It competes with incumbents such as Scale AI and larger providers Mercor and Surge, though those rivals report higher ARR figures. micro1 is a Los Angeles–based provider of an AI-driven platform to hire software engineers. Founded by Ali Ansari, the platform sources and vets top 1% engineering talent and handles international employment laws, benefits, and talent management. Companies get a one-week free trial per engineer and can manage hired engineers at no extra cost—send bonuses, track hours, give raises, and request replacements. micro1 is building additional AI tools for sourcing and vetting talent globally and intends to use the new funds to enhance those tools and expand its reach. Since launch the company has gained significant traction and became profitable within three months of securing its initial funding. The recent financing brought the company’s valuation to $30m.

Total raised

$36M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series A

Latest activity

Sep 2025