Startup Rippling Found Its AI Bills Headed Toward 40% of Staff Budget

Rippling discovered in March 2026 it was on track to spend 40% of its engineering staff budget on AI usage fees, rising 80% each month. About 10–15% of employees caused 60% of the cost; one engineer alone spent $50,000 monthly. Leaders called the findings "incredulous" and built a cost-tracking tool, AI Spend Console, launched August 6, 2026.