
natural language to SQL startups
Business Intelligence
Oct 28, 2025
Natural Language to SQL technology empowers non-technical users to access data insights quickly, eliminating IT bottlenecks and enhancing decision-making.

Natural Language to SQL (NL2SQL) technology is transforming how businesses access and use data. Startups are developing tools that let non-technical users turn plain English into SQL queries, enabling faster, more direct access to insights without IT bottlenecks.
Key highlights:
Problem: Complex databases often require SQL expertise, delaying decision-making.
Solution: NL2SQL tools empower users to query data in real-time using natural language.
Advancements: Modern tools achieve over 95% accuracy and process queries in seconds.
Challenges: Ensuring accuracy, managing AI errors, and integrating with existing systems.
Querio is a standout in this space, offering:
Direct integration with major databases like Snowflake and BigQuery.
A context layer for tailored, precise SQL generation.
Predictable pricing starting at $14,000/year, with unlimited viewer access.
Strong security features, including SOC 2 Type II compliance.
While Querio suits mid-to-large enterprises, smaller teams may find the costs challenging. Companies must invest time in setup and governance to maximize the platform's potential.
NL2SQL tools like Querio are reshaping data access, making insights faster and more accessible for businesses.
NL2SQL with LlamaIndex: Querying Databases Using Natural Language | Code

1. Querio

Querio builds on the advancements of NL2SQL to create a workspace that redefines how businesses interact with their data. It’s an AI-powered business intelligence platform that connects directly to major data warehouses like Snowflake, BigQuery, and PostgreSQL. By skipping the need for data duplication, Querio ensures secure, real-time analysis while keeping things efficient.
Accuracy of SQL Generation
At the heart of Querio is an AI-driven agent that turns plain English questions into SQL queries - no coding required. This is made possible by language models fine-tuned specifically for database queries.
What sets Querio apart is its context layer, which adds an extra level of precision. This layer incorporates table joins, business definitions, and a glossary to ensure the AI generates SQL queries that align with the user’s specific business needs. For example, if you ask, "What were our top-performing products last quarter?" Querio quickly delivers accurate charts, powered by optimized SQL queries that run directly on live warehouse data. It's like having a data analyst at your fingertips.
Integration with Data Warehouses
Querio connects directly to Snowflake, BigQuery, and PostgreSQL through live, read-only connections. These connections use encrypted credentials, ensuring your data stays secure while allowing real-time access to insights.
By working directly with existing warehouse data, Querio eliminates the need for data replication or ETL processes for basic querying. This makes it easy for organizations to grant data access across departments without worrying about per-user costs for read-only access. Unlimited viewer users are included, which is a huge plus for teams that need wide-ranging access.
For businesses that need even more flexibility, Querio offers expansion options. Additional database connections can be added for $4,000 per year per database, enabling seamless integration of multiple data sources into a single analytics workspace.
Pricing Structure
Querio follows an annual subscription model with clear pricing tiers. The Core Platform starts at $14,000 per year, covering one database connection, 4,000 prompts per month, and unlimited viewer users. This straightforward pricing removes the hassle of per-user licensing, making it easier for organizations to scale their data access.
For those looking for more features, there are several add-ons:
Dashboards Add-On: $6,000 per year
Data-Pipelines Subscription: $10,000 annually for up to three pipelines
Companies needing self-hosted deployment will face a 50% increase in recurring fees, with a minimum annual revenue commitment of $60,000. Monthly billing is also available, though it comes with a 10% price increase and requires an annual commitment. This pricing reflects Querio’s focus on serving enterprise clients rather than individuals or small teams.
Governance and Compliance
Querio meets enterprise-level security standards, including SOC 2 Type II compliance and 99.9% uptime. It employs robust security measures like encrypted credential storage and read-only database connections to minimize risks.
The platform’s context layer also plays a key role in governance. By defining table relationships, business metrics, and glossary terms, data teams can ensure the AI generates accurate and contextually relevant queries. This approach not only enforces consistent business rules but also protects sensitive information from unauthorized access. With Querio, business users can trust that their natural language queries will yield precise, secure, and meaningful results.
2. Other NL2SQL Startup
Shakudo, a company offering NL2SQL solutions tailored for enterprise clients, operates with a custom pricing model. To get details, customers need to reach out to their sales team directly [1]. This personalized pricing strategy reflects the specific considerations and trade-offs involved in NL2SQL services.
Benefits and Drawbacks
When assessing natural language to SQL tools, it's crucial to weigh factors like SQL accuracy, integration options, cost, security, scalability, and implementation. Here's a closer look at Querio's strengths and challenges, focusing on how its features can shape business operations.
SQL Accuracy and Performance
Querio stands out with its advanced query generation and real-time processing, delivering results in seconds without duplicating data. This ensures users get timely, reliable insights. That said, for complex business logic or unusual scenarios, AI-generated queries might need validation to ensure accuracy.
Secure Integration and Connectivity
With secure, live connections, Querio provides up-to-date data access while avoiding the need for costly data replication. It adheres to enterprise-level security standards, reducing risks. However, businesses still need to carefully manage database permissions and monitor access to maintain strong data governance practices.
Cost Structure and Accessibility
Querio's fixed pricing model simplifies budgeting by eliminating surprise query fees. Still, organizations should factor in the annual commitment and potential costs of scaling, especially smaller teams that might not fully utilize the platform's capabilities.
Scalability and User Management
The unlimited viewer model is a major plus for large teams, enabling broad access without per-user fees. However, as organizations grow, managing user permissions and ensuring proper access levels across varied teams can become more challenging.
Implementation and Maintenance
Querio's streamlined deployment process reduces setup hassles and automates many maintenance tasks. However, configuring the context layer and defining business terms upfront demands significant time and effort from data teams to ensure the system works effectively.
Overall, Querio delivers real-time connectivity, predictable pricing, strong security, scalable access, and simplified maintenance. These features make it an attractive option for organizations seeking to leverage natural language to SQL tools for better business intelligence, while also keeping an eye on areas that might need extra attention during implementation and growth.
Conclusion
The NL2SQL landscape is reshaping how businesses access and interact with data. For U.S. companies, tools like Querio provide a compelling way to make data more accessible across teams. Querio stands out with its real-time connections, predictable pricing, and enterprise-level security features.
For mid-to-large enterprises with extensive data teams and varied user needs, Querio's unlimited viewer model offers impressive value. By directly connecting to major data warehouses, it avoids the expense of duplicating data. Its fixed pricing also makes it easier for finance teams to plan budgets without worrying about unexpected query costs.
Growing organizations can benefit from Querio's context layer, which simplifies scaling data access and reduces dependency on data teams. However, smaller startups should carefully assess whether their needs justify the platform's annual commitment.
To maximize success, companies need to plan carefully for implementation. This includes dedicating time for data teams to build a robust context layer and setting up clear governance practices. As these tools continue to evolve, businesses should see platforms like Querio as more than just query tools - they're a way to transform how teams interact with data on a daily basis, offering transparent pricing, strong security, and smooth integration.
Adopting such platforms equips organizations to make smarter, quicker, and more accessible data-driven decisions.
FAQs
How does Querio ensure the SQL queries generated from natural language inputs are accurate?
Querio leverages cutting-edge natural language processing (NLP) and context-aware algorithms to transform user inputs into precise SQL queries. These models are fine-tuned to pick up on subtle language details, ensuring they accurately capture the intent behind each request.
To boost reliability, Querio includes real-time validation by cross-checking database schemas and structures. This step minimizes issues like invalid column names or mismatched data types, ensuring the queries are not only correct in syntax but also logical in execution. Plus, users can preview and adjust queries before running them, adding an extra layer of control and peace of mind.
How does Querio ensure the security of sensitive business data during real-time analysis?
Querio places a strong emphasis on keeping your business data secure, employing solid protection measures throughout the real-time analysis process. Key steps include end-to-end encryption, which protects your data while it’s being transmitted, and strict access controls that ensure only authorized individuals can view sensitive information.
The platform also follows established industry security standards. This means conducting regular audits, complying with data protection regulations, and using advanced monitoring systems to identify and address potential threats. These efforts work together to safeguard the integrity and privacy of your data, allowing you to make informed decisions with confidence.
How can a company determine if Querio's pricing works for their team size and data requirements?
To determine if Querio's pricing works for your team and data requirements, start by looking at the size and complexity of your data. If you're dealing with large or intricate datasets, you might need extra resources, which could impact the overall cost.
Then, think about your team size and how you'll use Querio. How many people on your team will need access, and how often will they be running queries? Understanding this can help you pick a plan that supports your workflow without stretching your budget.
By considering these elements alongside your business objectives, you'll have a clearer picture of whether Querio's pricing structure aligns with your needs.