Overview
Layer is a technical paradigm shift in spreadsheet architecture, designed to transform static data grids into dynamic, agent-driven automation hubs. As of 2026, Layer has matured into a middleware powerhouse that sits between enterprise data sources (Snowflake, Postgres, Salesforce) and the end-user interface of Excel or Google Sheets. Unlike standard AI plugins, Layer operates on a 'headless spreadsheet' principle where logic is decoupled from presentation. Its technical core leverages a proprietary orchestration layer that allows users to deploy LLM-based agents directly within cells to perform complex reasoning, web-scraping, and semantic mapping. The 2026 market position of Layer is focused on the 'Missing Middle' of automation—tasks too complex for standard Zapier triggers but too niche for dedicated engineering sprints. It features a robust Python runtime environment for custom logic, SOC2 Type II compliance for enterprise security, and a multi-model gateway that allows teams to swap between GPT-5, Claude 4, and specialized local models based on latency and cost requirements.