Mermaid is a popular open source diagramming and charting tool among developers.
The project was created by Knut Sveidqvist, the founder of Mermaid, to address a need he encountered as a software architect.
Initially open-sourced without plans for monetization, the project attracted the attention of Open Core Ventures (OCV) in 2022, who invested $7.5 million in a seed funding round alongside Sequoia and Microsoft’s M12 fund.
Microsoft’s investment in Mermaid brings a touch of irony, as the project originated when Sveidqvist lost a Microsoft Visio file and decided to create a better diagramming solution using a text-based approach similar to Markdown.
Over time, Mermaid expanded beyond flowcharts, garnering a community of 4 million users for its cloud version last year.
Image Credits: Mermaid Chart
With a focus on attracting non-technical users, Mermaid Chart aims to create user-friendly tools for diagramming and workflow automation services like ServiceNow.
The team plans to enhance its services and broaden its reach to establish Mermaid Chart as an essential knowledge base for companies.
To lower the barrier to entry, Mermaid Chart introduced a visual editor as an opt-in feature alongside its text-based tool. Additionally, the team developed an AI model for creating charts through a chat interface and fixing diagram syntax errors for paying users.
The support and investment from Open Core Ventures reflect the potential of Mermaid Chart to expand its user base and business opportunities.
Leveraging AI technology, Mermaid Chart aims to serve a broader audience and establish itself as a leading diagramming tool in the industry.
Correction: Since the initial conversation, Mermaid Chart has secured additional funding and investors. The story has been updated to reflect these changes.
