Hex launched in 2019, founded by Barry McCardel, Glen Takahashi, and Caitlin Colgrove, all former Palantir engineers. The company raised over $150 million in funding, reaching a valuation that made it one of the most well-funded startups in the modern data analytics space.
The platform reimagines the analytics workflow by combining SQL queries, Python notebooks, and drag-and-drop visualizations in a single collaborative environment. Unlike traditional notebooks where cells run top-to-bottom, Hex uses a reactive DAG (directed acyclic graph) that automatically recalculates dependent cells when upstream data changes.
Hex’s no-code features let non-technical team members build charts and filter data without writing code, while data scientists can drop into Python for advanced modeling within the same project. Input parameters allow analysts to build interactive apps — think internal tools and data apps, not just static dashboards.
The collaborative editing experience borrows from Google Docs. Multiple team members can work on the same project simultaneously, leave comments on specific cells, and track version history. Published projects can be shared as interactive apps with stakeholders who don’t need Hex accounts.
Hex connects natively to Snowflake, Databricks, BigQuery, Redshift, PostgreSQL, and other popular data platforms. The compute layer can run Python and SQL in Hex’s managed environment or connect to external compute resources.
The company has been adding AI features aggressively, including a Magic AI assistant that can write SQL and Python, explain code, and debug errors. These features are genuinely useful for speeding up routine analysis tasks.
Hex competes in a crowded space but has carved out a following among modern data teams that want more flexibility than traditional BI tools offer.
