FluidCloud aims to break vendor lock-in with a one-click migration tool

A startup called FluidCloud wants to make it easier for companies to move their applications between cloud providers. Its new platform helps businesses copy and move their infrastructure from one cloud to another – a process that often takes months – with just a few clicks.

The FluidCloud Platform works by scanning a company’s existing cloud setup and turning it into a reusable blueprint. That blueprint can then be used to quickly rebuild the same setup on a different cloud provider. The tool supports common elements like compute, networking, storage, access control, and security settings. It also helps teams stay on top of costs and system changes in their cloud environments.

“Businesses deserve the freedom to choose the best vendor for each workload,” said Sharad Kumar, FluidCloud’s CEO and co-founder. “We built FluidCloud to help teams move fast, build smart, and negotiate from a position of strength.”

FluidCloud’s idea is rooted in a common problem. Many companies want the flexibility to switch cloud providers but find the process too expensive, slow, and complex. Even when a migration succeeds, it often results in a new dependency on another provider’s tools. That limits flexibility and can leave customers stuck during outages or price hikes.

To solve this, FluidCloud built a system of AI agents trained to scan and copy an entire cloud setup – including every virtual machine, database, security rule, and load balancer – and clone it onto a new platform. Once that’s done, the platform creates a new CI/CD pipeline so developers can run the same app on the new provider with only minor changes.

As reported by SiliconANGLE, Kumar compared traditional cloud migrations to rebuilding an entire city while it’s still running. “Every building, road, utility, and security checkpoint needs to be rebuilt – all while keeping services live,” he said. FluidCloud’s AI tries to automate that process, using a programmatic mapping engine that supports multiple cloud providers and understands the core layers of each.

The company says its platform is built to handle large-scale systems like those used by global apps with hundreds of microservices. According to Kumar, FluidCloud can replicate those environments onto providers like Google Cloud or Microsoft Azure, allowing teams to decide later if they want to run in multiple clouds or shut down the original setup.

Beyond making migration easier, the company believes its tool gives customers more bargaining power. If moving to another cloud becomes as easy as clicking a button, companies are less likely to feel stuck – and cloud providers may offer better deals to keep their business. “We make cloud providers compete for your business,” Kumar said.

FluidCloud recently raised $8.1 million in seed funding from Unusual Ventures. The firm’s managing partner, John Vrionis, said the platform solves a problem that has slowed engineering teams for years. “It shouldn’t require a year of professional services,” he said.

One early supporter is cloud provider Vultr, which sees FluidCloud as a way to help customers switch away from larger providers like AWS. “It’s a game-changer for customers who value cloud freedom and want the flexibility to innovate on the platforms they choose,” said Mirdul Swarup, developer advocate at Vultr.

Kumar didn’t disclose how many customers have used the platform so far. But the company is positioning itself as a way to give businesses more options in how they manage their infrastructure.

(Photo by Jose Fontano)

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