Kilo Code

Kilo Code: Open-Source AI Coding Agent

Kilo Code is the open-source AI coding agent that runs across VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, Cursor, Windsurf, and a standalone CLI — letting developers work in whatever editor they prefer with the same agent. Model-vendor neutral by design: bring OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Mistral, Llama, or self-hosted models. Multi-mode workflow (Architect for planning, Coder for implementation, Debugger for fixes, custom modes).

Launched March 2025; $8M seed Dec 2025 led by Cota Capital. Founding team includes Sid Sijbrandij (GitLab co-founder/ex-CEO). The bet: AI coding is too important to be locked into one IDE or model vendor — open source + model-agnostic wins.

Key Features

• Open source — full transparency, no vendor lock-in
• Multi-IDE: VS Code, JetBrains, Cursor, Windsurf, CLI
• Model-agnostic: OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Mistral, Llama, self-hosted
• Multi-mode: Architect, Coder, Debugger + custom modes
• Auto context search — pulls relevant files for each task

Ideal Use Case

Developers who want AI coding agents but don't want to commit to one IDE (Cursor) or one model (Claude in Cursor). Particularly strong fit for teams with mixed IDE preferences or strict model-vendor flexibility requirements.

Why Use Kilo Code

Cursor and GitHub Copilot are dominant but vertically integrated. Kilo's wedge: open source + model-agnostic + multi-IDE — for engineers who want optionality, not lock-in. Sid Sijbrandij's involvement signals real GitLab-style open-source DNA.

FAQ

Q: Truly open source? A: Yes — fully open source, model-vendor neutral.

Q: Free? A: Free tier; bring your own model API keys. Paid tiers for hosted features.

Q: vs Cursor? A: Kilo runs in any IDE; Cursor is its own IDE. Kilo is BYO-model; Cursor is opinionated.

tl;dr

Open-source AI coding agent. Any IDE, any model. Ex-GitLab CEO co-founded. $8M seed Dec 2025.

Related

Looking for more options? Browse the Developer Tools directory or read our best AI coding tools listicle. Kilo Code is also tracked on Crunchbase.