JERUSALEM (VINnews) — An Israeli artificial intelligence startup founded by three childhood friends has been acquired by a British technology holding company less than two years after its launch, in a deal estimated at several million dollars.

Dondy, which develops AI agents that handle customer interactions for businesses, was purchased by Circeus, the U.K.-based company said. The acquisition is Circeus’ first in Israel.

The Tel Aviv-based company creates AI tools that manage sales, marketing and customer service conversations, primarily through WhatsApp and other chat channels. Dondy says its agents resolve about 70% of customer interactions without human involvement.

The startup serves more than 70,000 businesses in 140 countries and handles more than 1 million customer conversations a year. It also facilitates more than $100 million in annual merchant orders, according to company figures. Dondy built its business without raising venture capital and with a team of about seven employees.

Dondy was founded by Or Schreiber, Tamir Or and Inbal Katz, who will remain in leadership roles after the sale. The company will continue operating from Israel.

Circeus, an AI-focused holding company, has completed 18 acquisitions over the past four years and serves more than 200,000 businesses worldwide. Dondy will join its Shop Circle commerce software division.

The founders said they were excited to join Circeus and believed the partnership would allow Dondy to grow significantly in the coming years