A startup called Lutra AI has just raised $3.8 million in seed funding. It aims to make it easier for anyone to create customized AI-driven workflows. Lutra, founded by former Google and Coursera employees including Jiquan Ngiam, focuses on integrating AI using a code-first approach. Unlike other no-code AI workflow tools that have limitations, Lutra leverages the latest natural language AI models to generate production-ready code. This allows it to create workflows that connect tools like Gmail and Slack. Inspired by seeing manual engineering tasks at their former employer that could have been automated for increased productivity, Ngiam and the founders of Lutra saw an opportunity to empower non-technical users to build their own AI assistants. These specialized workflows automate repetitive tasks such as organizing emails, communicating with clients, and extracting data from files. Entering a highly competitive AI workflow market, Lutra's unique approach may help it stand out. The startup's main advantage lies in its emphasis on reliability and security while widely adopting AI. By prioritizing code over just a no-code interface, Lutra incorporates features such as credential management, testing, and permissions, providing more control over AI. Potential early customers span across multiple industries where joining network services to improve efficiency is highly valuable. The platform is currently in a private testing phase, and the team continues to enhance the product-market fit. The $3.8 million funding round was led by Coatue Ventures, with participation from Hustle Fund, Maven Ventures, and several notable angel investors.