
Literal Labs is an AI algorithm company that utilizes logic-based techniques to create AI models that are significantly faster, more energy-efficient, and more explainable than traditional neural networks. Their proprietary logic-based AI models are designed to replace GPU-heavy algorithms that are too large, expensive, and energy-intensive. These models are particularly suited for companies operating in regulated markets where AI explainability is critical, or for those developing battery-powered products requiring more efficient AI. The company was founded in 2023, spinning out from Newcastle University, by leading experts in logic-based AI, Dr. Alex Yakovlev and Dr. Rishad Shafik, and is led by former Arm CPU division VP and semiconductor startup founder. They aim to make AI run at the edge, independent of cloud connectivity and data centers, focusing on speed, explainability, and economic/energy efficiency.

Literal Labs is an AI algorithm company that utilizes logic-based techniques to create AI models that are significantly faster, more energy-efficient, and more explainable than traditional neural networks. Their proprietary logic-based AI models are designed to replace GPU-heavy algorithms that are too large, expensive, and energy-intensive. These models are particularly suited for companies operating in regulated markets where AI explainability is critical, or for those developing battery-powered products requiring more efficient AI. The company was founded in 2023, spinning out from Newcastle University, by leading experts in logic-based AI, Dr. Alex Yakovlev and Dr. Rishad Shafik, and is led by former Arm CPU division VP and semiconductor startup founder. They aim to make AI run at the edge, independent of cloud connectivity and data centers, focusing on speed, explainability, and economic/energy efficiency.
Founded: 2023 (Newcastle University spin-out)
Tech: Logic-Based Networks (propositional logic, binarisation, Tsetlin Machines)
Claims: >50x faster inference and >50x lower energy vs neural networks; typical models <40 KB
Use cases: Edge/CPU/MCU deployment, regulated markets needing explainability, battery-powered devices
Recent funding: £4.6M (~$6.2M) pre-seed (May–Jun 2025)
Making AI inference efficient, explainable, and deployable on edge/CPU/MCU hardware to avoid dependence on GPUs and cloud/datacenter resources.
2023
Data and Analytics
4.6M GBP
Round reported as £4.6M (announced 28 May 2025); co-led by Mercuri with participation from Sure Valley Ventures and Cambridge Future Tech SPV
Crunchbase lists a Pre-Seed round dated 2 June 2025 with Mercuri and Northern Gritstone as lead investors
“Backed by Northern Gritstone, Mercuri, Cambridge Future Tech, and Sure Valley Ventures”
At Literal Labs, we build state-of-the-art Machine Learning algorithms for the Edge. Our goal is to allow customers to integrate AI into all devices, however large or small, wherever they need to be. We are world leaders in Tsetlin machines and other logic-based techniques which are faster, explainable, and orders of magnitude more energy efficient than today’s neural networks. Our team comprises researchers, professors, software, and hardware engineers. The strength and breadth of the team is unique; what we share is the desire to address some of the greatest challenges facing technology and humanity today. Will you join us?
Frontend Software Engineer Mid / Senior Remote (United Kingdom) Permanent £65,000 - £85,000 (GBP)
This role is remote, though the right to work for a UK-registered company is required. If you prefer, you can work from our offices in London and Newcastle upon Tyne.
Essential:
Desirable:
We are looking for people to join our team who are excited about and a good match with our culture. You can read more about our cultural operating system on our website.
Please note - we are very interested to hear from you even if you do not possess all of the listed skills, attributes, and experiences. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity and strive to build a team that represents various backgrounds, perspectives, and skills to make us stronger. At this time, the right to work for a UK-registered company is required.