Web and mobile testing company BrowserStack Inc. today announced that it has acquired Requestly, a startup that offers an open-source HTTP interception and application programming interface mocking tool that eliminates critical bottlenecks in modern web development, for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 2021, Requestly offers an open-source tool designed to streamline API development and testing by allowing developers to intercept, modify and mock HTTP requests and responses directly within their browsers. The company’s browser extension, a key component of its offering, operates without requiring complex proxy configurations, making it accessible and efficient for developers working in various environments.

Requestly’s core features include API mocking, enabling developers to simulate API responses without relying on backend services. API mocking is a process that involves simulating API responses to mimic the behavior of real APIs, allowing developers to test and build applications without relying on live backend services. The concept is particularly useful in frontend development, allowing teams to proceed with building user interfaces even when backend APIs are incomplete or unstable.

Along with API mocking, Requestly also offers a suite of tools for modifying HTTP requests and responses. Using the company’s tools, developers can alter headers, query parameters and even inject scripts for full and comprehensive testing scenarios. The capabilities allow for debugging and ensuring that applications handle various response conditions.

Requestly claims more than 200,000 developers across more than 10,000 companies using its tools. Notable Requestly corporate users include Amazon.com Inc., Verizon Communications Inc., Salesforce Inc., Indeed Inc., Google LLC, AT&T Inc., Adobe Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Wix.com Ltd.

BrowserStack plans to maintain Requestly as an independent, open-source tool provider, ensuring the developer community continues to benefit from its accessibility and flexibility. The future roadmap includes launching API interception and mocking capabilities for mobile devices and simulators.

“What drew us to Requestly was its innovative browser-native approach and the passionate developer community behind it,” said BrowserStack co-founder and Chief Executive Ritesh Arora. “We’re backing Requestly’s growth while maintaining what developers love about it – this will help them innovate faster in a space ready for fresh thinking.”

Coming into its acquisition, Requestly had raised funding over two rounds, $125,000 from Y Combinator in March 2022 and another round with an undisclosed amount from Titan Capital, Neon Inc. and Surge Ventures Inc. in March 2023.

The acquisition is BrowseStack’s second in the last 12 months, following its acquisition of Bird Eats Bug, a bug reporting tool startup, in August.

Image: Requestly