Barrchives Building Deep Tech Beyond the SaaS Playbook with Naveen Rao, VP of AI at Databricks
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Dec 4, 2024 Naveen Rao, VP of AI at Databricks, has a rich background in AI hardware and software, having previously founded Nervana and MosaicML. He shares his journey from a childhood fascination with science fiction to innovating in AI. The conversation dives into the distinct playbooks required for deep tech versus SaaS, emphasizing a deeper understanding of problems. He discusses the shifting landscape of AI post-ChatGPT, the synergy between hardware and software, and the future of AI training and decision-making, advocating for breakthrough innovations to navigate evolving demands.
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Deep Tech vs. SaaS
- Understand the problem space deeply before building in deep tech.
- Focus on innovating the technology first, then packaging and selling it, unlike SaaS.
Early AI Interest
- Naveen Rao's interest in AI began in middle school, fueled by science fiction.
- Growing up in Kentucky, he pursued programming and circuit building, diverging from his family of doctors.
PhD Journey
- Naveen Rao pursued a neuroscience PhD after nearly a decade of engineering work.
- His combined expertise shaped his approach to AI hardware at Nervana and MosaicML.