The AI industry is grappling with a massive return-on-investment (ROI) challenge. Despite billions poured into large language models (LLMs), only 25% of executives say their companies have created significant value from AI. Retool, the leading application layer for AI, aims to fix that. With over 100 million work hours already automated by customers like AWS and Databricks, Retool is launching Agents—autonomous LLM-powered workers that execute complex tasks and drive business outcomes at scale.
Closing the $500 Billion Gap in AI ROI
- A recent BCG report revealed a $500B gap between AI investment and realized value.
- Most companies still use chat as the primary interface for LLMs, limiting true automation potential.
- Retool bridges this gap by enabling developers to automate labor in a scalable, developer-first environment.
Introducing Retool Agents: LLM Reasoning Meets Action
- Agents combine the reasoning power of LLMs with Retool’s action-oriented infrastructure.
- Designed for autonomous execution of tasks, Agents work like digital employees—reliably and efficiently.
- Unique observability features allow developers to monitor performance and business value in real time.
How Top Enterprises Use Retool for AI Automation
1. Amazon Web Services (AWS):
The AWS Generative AI Innovation Center uses Retool as an application layer to simplify the deployment of AI services like Amazon Bedrock and Amazon Transcribe.
2. Databricks:
Partners with Retool to build smarter, domain-specific AI agents on top of the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform.
“Retool enables us to efficiently implement our AI services for customers, automating complex enterprise work.” — Sri Elaprolu, AWS
“Together, we’re helping enterprises deliver measurable outcomes.” — Roger Murff, Databricks
Built for Developers: A True Application Layer for AI
Retool gives developers a unified platform to build, integrate, and deploy AI-driven workflows:
- Open and connected: Integrates with any database, API, or enterprise system.
- Model agnostic: Choose the right LLM per use case, optimizing for cost and performance.
- Tool centric: Built-in UI tools empower smarter LLM behavior with full context.
- Multimodal: Move seamlessly between visual UI, code, logic, and natural language interfaces.
- Secure & scalable: Enterprise-grade security, agent governance, and cloud/on-prem deployment options.
“Software developers are the architects of the AI revolution. Retool puts them in the driver’s seat.” — David Hsu, CEO of Retool
Smart Pricing: Agents That Work by the Hour
Retool’s Agents use a pay-by-the-hour model:
- Charges apply only when agents are actively working.
- Hourly rates vary by LLM type and complexity of the task.
- Aligns AI costs with business value—no lock-ins, no wasted spend.
“We price Agents well below human hourly wages to reflect their economic impact,” said Hsu.
Conclusion: Turning AI Ambition Into Business Value
With the introduction of Agents, Retool is leading a new phase of AI utility—bridging the gap between innovation and tangible ROI. By empowering developers with a robust platform for building and managing intelligent automation, Retool is redefining what AI can do for business. As organizations search for real outcomes from their AI investments, Retool provides the tools to automate at scale, cut costs, and boost productivity like never before.
