Databricks has acquired Row Zero, an early-stage spreadsheet startup, to integrate cloud tools with business intelligence. The move sees Databricks’ AI agent, Genie, working alongside Row Zero to allow users to ask complex questions of their data using natural language. Critics argue this could make data analysis more accessible to a broader audience.

Databricks CEO Ali Ghodsi expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, “Spreadsheets are one such interface that every business analyst loves.” By combining Row Zero with Databricks, data remains secure in the cloud while still being manipulated in the familiar spreadsheet format.

The deal comes as Databricks has been on a spree of acquisitions, with the company’s finance team reportedly smitten by Row Zero’s scalability. Databricks has already acquired startups such as Quotient AI, SiftD.ai, and Panther, and plans to continue this trend.

With Databricks’ focus on integrating advanced technology with everyday tools, this acquisition could signify a shift towards more user-friendly data analysis. However, concerns over data security and the potential for complex technologies to become too accessible remain.

The acquisition of Row Zero for $10 million at a $40 million valuation, alongside Databricks’ $5 billion funding round, highlights the company’s ambition to dominate the data analysis market.