MCP startup Runlayer accuses Rippling of stealing its product idea

Runlayer has filed a lawsuit against Rippling, claiming Rippling reviewed its MCP gateway product and then decided to build a competing version internally. The dispute centers on whether Rippling used knowledge gained during the evaluation process to replicate Runlayer’s idea.

The case highlights growing tension around fast-moving AI infrastructure markets, where product evaluations can blur into competitive intelligence. As MCP tools become more important for connecting AI systems to enterprise data and apps, startups may face greater risk when pitching large platform companies.