An ex-accountant leverages AI to revolutionize bookkeeping and challenge traditional accounting software

In May 2025, Ahad Ali was a successful accountant managing a team of 20 and handling over 2,000 returns annually. However, he grew frustrated with accounting software like QuickBooks and the broader SaaS model, believing small businesses needed less, not better, software. Now, Ali is building Tabby, an AI-driven platform that offers real-time bookkeeping and financial insights, using Plaid to import live data. Tabby also targets accounting firms seeking alternatives to QuickBooks. With 5,500 small businesses using the platform and $100,000 in annual recurring revenue, Ali aims to make bookkeeping a monthly service akin to internet access. Ali’s team, consisting of seven members, is raising $1 million in pre-seed funding and preparing to launch Tabby Talk, a natural language interface. Ali faces competition from QuickBooks and startups like Rillet, but he believes Tabby can carve out a niche by focusing on small-to-medium-sized businesses. 'There’s 30 million more businesses,' he told TechCrunch, highlighting the potential for innovation in the space. Ali’s vision is to eliminate the need for traditional accounting software, making bookkeeping seamless and automated. Tabby’s approach, combining AI with real-time data, positions it as a disruptive force in the accounting industry. As the company prepares for its launch and fundraising, Ali’s journey reflects a broader shift in how small businesses manage their finances, driven by AI and automation.