Since its inception in 2014, India-based Postman has become one of the most popular platforms for building and using APIs, now serving over 500,000 organizations worldwide. While its valuation has reportedly dropped from its $5.6 billion peak in 2021, the company is making bold moves into the rapidly expanding AI space. Postman has unveiled a groundbreaking AI agent builder, leveraging large language models (LLMs) alongside its API platform. This new feature includes a visual editor designed to enable even non-developers to build and test AI agents seamlessly.
Why AI Agents Make Sense for Postman
At first glance, venturing into AI agents might seem unconventional for a company focused on APIs. However, Postman’s CEO and co-founder, Abhinav Asthana, sees this as a natural evolution. “To be useful, AI agents need to interact with a wide range of services, and APIs are the key to making that possible,” Asthana explained ahead of the agent builder’s launch.
Postman’s customer base had already been signaling interest in AI agents. “Our customers started asking us, ‘This AI agent trend is emerging – what is Postman doing about it?’” Asthana shared. By observing how developers and businesses were integrating APIs with homegrown or third-party AI systems, Postman identified a clear demand for tools to simplify the process. “APIs are central to this. Whether it’s accessing the LLM itself – like OpenAI, Anthropic, or even a custom-built API – or using APIs for tools the agent interacts with, it’s all about enabling seamless connectivity,” he added.
Making AI Accessible for Non-Developers
One of the most intriguing aspects of Postman’s AI agent builder is its accessibility. A growing number of Postman users are non-developers looking to create simple, API-driven applications. Asthana believes this democratization of technology is critical. “No-code platforms combined with AI and agents create a powerful synergy,” he said. “This combination empowers users to achieve more without needing deep technical expertise.”
The platform’s existing API network, which boasts contributions from over 18,000 companies, forms the backbone of this new functionality. Users can now create AI agents capable of interacting with these APIs, opening up a world of possibilities for businesses looking to streamline operations or automate workflows.
Building and Testing AI Agents
To ensure these AI agents perform as expected, Postman is rolling out comprehensive testing and evaluation tools. These tools enable users to test prompts and inputs across a variety of LLMs, including OpenAI’s GPT models, Google’s Gemini, Anthropic’s Claude, Cohere, and Meta’s Llama. Users can then utilize Postman Flows, the platform’s visual development environment, to build sophisticated agents that interact with APIs in meaningful ways.
Currently, the primary focus of Postman’s AI agents is on back-end operations. While developers could leverage the platform to power front-end applications, Postman itself does not yet provide a user interface for directly interacting with these agents. Asthana hinted that this might evolve over time, stating, “We’re very optimistic about the future of agent software, but the way we interact with these systems will continue to evolve.”
A Competitive Edge in the AI Landscape
Postman is entering a competitive field, but the company’s existing API hub provides a significant advantage. Asthana is confident that Postman’s focus on delivering an exceptional developer experience will set it apart from larger cloud providers. “Cloud providers tend to prioritize cloud consumption over developer experience. That’s where Postman comes in. We’re focused on creating tools that truly cater to developers’ needs,” he explained.
This approach could position Postman as a vital partner for cloud providers looking to enhance their offerings without reinventing the wheel.
Pricing and Future Plans
As for how Postman plans to monetize its AI agent builder, Asthana admitted that pricing is still a work in progress. “We’re exploring different models to determine the value these agents bring to our users,” he said. The company aims to refine its approach based on user feedback and the evolving needs of its customer base.
A Bold Step Forward
Postman’s move into the AI space underscores its commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and addressing customer needs. By combining the power of large language models with its robust API platform, Postman is not only simplifying the process of building AI agents but also making these cutting-edge tools accessible to a broader audience. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a non-technical user, Postman’s AI agent builder offers an exciting glimpse into the future of API-driven innovation.
