Visma-backed Mandora Launches Taki AI Accounting for Startups
Runar Gundersen began experimenting with artificial intelligence software solutions during 2023 and 2024, at a time he now notes was initially too early for the Norwegian financial sector. That timing has shifted dramatically.
Visma-Backed Mandora Launches Agentic AI Accounting for Startups
Visma-backed Mandora has launched Taki, an agentic AI-powered accounting service designed specifically for startups and micro-enterprises, according to a report. The new commercial offering enters a competitive Norwegian market for automated financial services, going up against established industry giants and newly formed artificial intelligence startups. Løsningene som finnes i dag, er ikke bra nok,
is the verdict from managing director Runar Gundersen.
Redesigning the Books from Inception with Tripletex Engine
Taki functions as an agentic AI accountant that allows users to execute ongoing bookkeeping tasks—such as generating invoices and processing vouchers—directly through a mobile application. Partner accounting agencies provide licensed oversight by checking the work completed by the AI agents. The platform’s underlying technology relies on the accounting engine of Tripletex, another Visma-owned company. Mandora managing director Runar Gundersen stated that he sought to redesign accounting completely around artificial intelligence from the start rather than simply copying existing market solutions like Fiken. Jeg ville helst ikke kopiere Fiken eller andre løsninger, men heller se på hvordan jeg kunne redesigne regnskap helt, med AI fra starten av,
he stated.
Rival AI Startups Crowd the Norwegian Market
Competition has changed significantly since Gundersen's early software experiments. Mandora’s platform faces growing competition from a wave of AI-native startups targeting traditional industries. Among them is Sanna, led by founder Petter Reistad, which aims to challenge established players like Visma and Fiken from an office located just one floor below Mandora at Mesh Youngstorget. Another competitor is ReAI, established in June 2025 by former Tripletex developer Greg Taube. Gundersen noted that he has not tested the rival solutions, but understands that they have started accounting agencies and are building technology solutions to automate the work of accountants as much as possible, whereas Mandora started with a platform designed to execute accounting tasks for the customer while external accountants control the result. Jeg synes det er gøy med konkurranse,
Gundersen stated, adding that it is a sign that complexity is pushed onto customers and that innovation is needed. He recalled competing against Mcash and Danske Bank while working with Vipps in the corporate market as one of the most enjoyable things he did. Gundersen also believes that artificial intelligence and simplified accounting will make it easier to start a business, leading to more startups and customers in the future, and does not expect the quality-assuring accountants to become unemployed since a simpler solution at a lower fixed price will increase the number of customers using accountants.
Independent Operations Under the Visma Holding Umbrella
Although Mandora operates as an independent company, its ownership traces back to Visma Holding Norge. Tripletex managing director Hege Oustad played a central role in establishing the challenger brand after contacting Gundersen to explore new market opportunities. Gundersen insisted on structuring Mandora with its own distinct company entity, dedicated team, and separate office space to ensure freedom from internal corporate influences. While the backing of Visma provides financial security that typical startups must seek through external capital during early development, Gundersen acknowledged that Taki still must prove its commercial viability to customers.