Riga-based Desktop Commander has raised €1.1 million in pre-seed funding led by 42CAP, with participation from BADideas Fund. The company develops an open-source tool that allows artificial intelligence to interact directly with a user’s computer through the Model Context Protocol (MCP), enabling it to manage files, operate the terminal, and execute code based on plain language instructions. The approach aims to make desktop automation and local AI integration more accessible, particularly for non-technical users. The investment will support the launch of a paid version of the product and the expansion of its user base and integrations within the growing MCP ecosystem.
Desktop Commander develops tools that connect artificial intelligence with local desktop environments. Its open-source platform, built on Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol (MCP), enables AI systems to interact directly with a user’s computer—managing files, running terminal commands, and handling code execution based on natural language input. The technology allows users to automate everyday tasks and workflows without programming knowledge. Founded by Eduard Ruzga, Dmitry Sergeev and Lauris Lietavietis, the company operates within the emerging MCP ecosystem and focuses on making local AI automation more transparent, secure, and accessible.
“I initially developed the first iteration of the product as a custom GPT in 2023 to address a personal work-related challenge; it did not gain substantial interest at that time. However, I revisited the concept when Anthropic introduced their new MCP standard in late 2024, and it experienced significant adoption in April of this year. What I find most rewarding is users expressing that they have acquired capabilities they previously did not realize they possessed,” stated Eduards Ruzga, CEO and Co-founder.
Anthropic introduced the MCP standard in late 2024 to standardize how large language models (LLMs) can access external tools and data sources. Since its inception, over 15,000 MCPs have been developed. Desktop Commander has emerged as one of the leading players within this ecosystem. It is recognized as one of the most popular MCPs on Smithery, Docker MCP Hub, and the Claude connectors marketplace, having accumulated thousands of daily active users since its launch in March 2025. Its user base comprises founders and entrepreneurs developing products, developers reviewing and deploying code, and knowledge workers automating daily workflows. The team is currently conducting beta testing for its paid product, which builds on the MCP foundation and user feedback.
“We believe Desktop Commander represents a key step in the evolution of local AI automation. The team combines deep product experience with a unique understanding of how the MCP ecosystem is forming,” states Moritz Zimmerman, General Partner at 42CAP.
Desktop Commander is building on strong early traction, user feedback and industry tailwinds driving AI experimentation and adoption. The company’s next milestones include expanding its MCP userbase, launching the paid Desktop Commander product, and deepening integrations across the MCP ecosystem.
“Desktop Commander is building the missing interface between AI and the real world – your own computer. Everyone talks about AI agents in the cloud, but the real transformation happens when AI can actually touch files, code, and local workflows. Eduards and the team saw that shift early, and they’re already leading one of the most active MCP projects in the world. We’re proud to back a team that’s helping define what local AI automation looks like,” says Raimonds Kulbergs, General Partner at BADideas Fund.
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Read the orginal article: https://arcticstartup.com/desktop-commander-raises-e1-1m-pre-seed/
