“Can an AI-native, real-time general ledger built on modern fintech rails displace QuickBooks as the accounting system of record for the next generation of startups and SMBs?”
Founded 2019 by ex-LendUp CEO Sasha Orloff, Puzzle launched publicly in 2023 as a modern, real-time general ledger positioned as the QuickBooks alternative for venture-backed startups running on Stripe, Mercury, Ramp, Brex, and Gusto. In 2025 it pivoted decisively toward AI, launching the Puzzle AI Suite of accounting agents (Chat, Cowork, Close) and rebranding around 'AI-native accounting.' In 2026 it stretched again with Puzzle 2.0, bundling the software with vetted accounting firm partners — moving from pure SaaS into a software+services model competing directly with Pilot and Bench.
Puzzle discloses Unit as its banking provider, according to the Embedded Finance Index 2026.
Puzzle does not disclose a bank charter of its own; its banking services are provided through Unit.
Puzzle processes payments through Stripe.
Puzzle connects to bank accounts through Plaid.
Puzzle's payroll is powered by gusto.
The Embedded Finance Index 2026 maps 5 layers in Puzzle's stack: Payments / PSP (Stripe); Banking / BaaS (Unit); Payroll (gusto); Open banking (Plaid); Spend / AP (Brex).
Puzzle was founded by Sasha Orloff and John Cwikla and is founded in 2019, headquartered in San Francisco, California, USA (with office in Wilmington).
Puzzle has raised $51.5M in total (latest round: Series A, 2023).
Get a read on where your own stack stands against Puzzle and the rest of its category — what they built versus bought, which providers they use, and where the gaps in your own strategy and competitive set actually are.