From PhD to APIMatic: Adeel Ali’s Path from Research to Reality

Adeel Ali

Adeel Ali

Syed Adeel Ali is the founder of a multinational IT company APIMatic. It’s a role that would seem miles away from his early beginnings in academia, however Adeel says that being an entrepreneur has enabled him to find a way to focus on his purpose and make an impact at scale.

“As a researcher, you often work on hypothetical solutions that might be useful in the future. But there’s a gap between academic research and current industry needs. By founding APIMatic, I could directly apply my research to real-world problems, creating a tangible impact on the software industry,” he explains.

APIMatic makes APIs easy to integrate with the help of automatic code generation. An API is like a waiter in a restaurant who takes your order (a request) to the kitchen (a system) and then brings back your food (the response) to you.

What began as a quest to address gaps in the software development process has evolved into a company that pioneers API automation and integration. APIMatic’s mission to simplify API usage has resonated with a global audience, as evidenced by its users in over 200 countries and its offices in New Zealand, Pakistan, and the United States. His journey was supported by the University of Auckland Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). “I didn’t set out to start a company; it was an opportunity that arose after I participated and got a prize during the Spark Ideas Challenge, now known as the Velocity $100k Challenge. I was invited to pitch to investors, and what began as a research project turned into a full-fledged business.”

Reflecting on his time at the University of Auckland, Adeel says “The university provided me with invaluable support. My supervisor and departments including UniServices allowed me the freedom to explore APIs and granted me the opportunity to travel and present my ideas. Initiatives like the Spark Ideas Challenge from CIE were instrumental in transforming my PhD research into a thriving business.”

Witnessing their code operating in major systems like Verizon and PayPal has validated the real-world impact APIMatic is making.

Adeel paints a vivid picture of the software industry’s evolution, likening it to the revolution in the automotive sector. “We’re witnessing an automation revolution, reminiscent of the automotive industry’s shift from manual car assembly to automated, component-based manufacturing. In the past, companies built entire software suites, much like assembling a whole car in a factory. Today, software vendors release APIs that allow seamless integration without purchasing a complete package.”

“The next stage is automating these integrations, connecting various APIs like Google Maps and PayPal to create comprehensive applications. This automation of integration is a vast, untapped opportunity, and we are determined to lead this innovation in software automation.”

APIMatic is not only part of the automation wave but also a pioneer in integrating AI technologies.

Adeel discussed their latest innovation, the API Copilot, during a series of talks in San Francisco, New York, and Stockholm. “API Copilot is an AI coding assistant that sets itself apart from traditional AI models. Unlike generative AI, which often produces generalised code, API Copilot is trained on deterministically generated code by APIMatic.” This method minimises the unpredictability often associated with traditional AI. The company is not merely planning to integrate AI; it is actively implementing it. Some customers are already using API Copilot in its beta phase, with more expected to adopt it soon.

As APIMatic continues to innovate and lead in the software automation field, Syed’s journey from a university cubicle to impacting global systems serves as an inspiration for future researchers looking to translate their research into industry solutions.

His advice to other researchers looking at how to commercialise is to be pragmatic. “The expertise gained during a PhD programme is unparalleled. When you specialise in a domain, you gain a deep understanding that few others possess. To transition from research to entrepreneurship, identify practical applications for your research. Demonstrate the real-world relevance and quantify the benefits your research can provide. This approach not only validates your work but also opens doors to commercial opportunities. Without practical application, your thesis risks becoming just another book on a shelf.”