SurrealDB: Revolutionizing Database Management for Developers
Building cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) systems can be a complex endeavor, especially when it comes to managing databases at scale. Tobie Morgan Hitchcock and Jaime Hitchcock, co-founders of SurrealDB, understand these challenges all too well. Having developed various SaaS systems over the years, they recognized the common pain points that developers face in terms of infrastructure management and data consistency across multiple databases and system types.
In an interview with TechCrunch, Tobie explained, “Developers spend excessive time on infrastructure management and ensuring that the data in their applications is consistent… leading to reduced performance and more complex application deployments.” This observation inspired the Hitchcock brothers to create SurrealDB, a database architecture designed to address these challenges and streamline the database management process.
SurrealDB is a multi-model database architecture that allows developers to model data using different data models simultaneously. This flexibility enables organizations to consolidate their databases, reducing complexity and improving overall efficiency. Furthermore, SurrealDB can be deployed both in cloud and on-premises environments, providing developers with the freedom to choose the setup that suits their needs best.
What sets SurrealDB apart from traditional relational databases is its added functionality. Built using the programming language Rust, SurrealDB offers enhanced security controls and granular access permissions management. Additionally, the platform includes a visual database management tool called Surrealist, which enables developers to perform various tasks without having to write code.
While SurrealDB is currently pre-revenue, the company plans to monetize its product through Surreal Cloud, a fully managed version of SurrealDB. Originally slated for launch in 2023, Surreal Cloud recently entered beta testing after a brief delay. The Hitchcock brothers have ambitious plans for SurrealDB’s future and are confident in its potential.
Their vision has attracted significant investor interest, as evidenced by the recent $20 million funding round led by FirstMark and Georgian, with participation from Crew Capital and Alumni Ventures. This funding brings SurrealDB’s total raised to $26 million, providing the startup with the necessary resources for product development and sustainable hiring.
Tobie is optimistic about SurrealDB’s value proposition, stating, “SurrealDB has emerged as the choice for organizations burdened by the cost of managing multiple databases.” With organizations increasingly seeking to reduce their tech stack costs, SurrealDB presents a compelling opportunity.
By addressing the pain points of infrastructure management, data consistency, and application performance, SurrealDB has positioned itself as a game-changer in the database management landscape. As developers continue to seek efficient and innovative solutions, SurrealDB’s unique features and comprehensive approach to database management are set to transform the industry.
