Databricks acquires Row Zero to add live‑data spreadsheets to Genie

Databricks has announced the acquisition of Row Zero, a spreadsheet tool that links directly to live, governed data, to enhance its AI coworker product Genie.

The San Francisco‑based company said the deal will give Genie a native spreadsheet interface similar to Excel and Google Sheets, allowing users to explore data, model scenarios and collaborate within a familiar environment. Unlike typical spreadsheets, Row Zero connects to live data sources while respecting each user’s permissions and providing an auditable trail of interactions.

Databricks described the move as a response to “spreadmarts” – ungoverned spreadsheet files that can create security and governance gaps when AI agents access sensitive company data. Patrick Wendell, co‑founder and VP of engineering at Databricks, said a seamless spreadsheet experience is essential as finance, operations and go‑to‑market teams adopt Genie.

Row Zero’s founder and chief executive Breck Fresen explained the product was built to provide enterprise‑scale data connectivity with governance and security at its core. The tool will remain available to Databricks customers across all major clouds and will continue to support data sources beyond Databricks’ own platform.

The acquisition follows Databricks’ rapid growth, including a $5 billion funding round in August that lifted its valuation to $190 billion. The company, founded in 2013, works with more than 20,000 organisations and employs over 500 staff across the UK and Ireland from its London EMEA headquarters.

Source: Silicon Republic. Photo: RDNE Stock project / Pexels.