Equity How Gradient Ventures is Shaping the AI Startup Landscape with Eylul Kayin
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Feb 26, 2025 
Eylul Kayin, a partner at Gradient Ventures, discusses the dynamic AI startup landscape. With experience at NEA and SoftBank, she shares insights into what defines a successful AI startup, focusing on quality offerings and customer relationships. Eylul reveals the challenges founders face, from tech hurdles to scaling their businesses, and how Gradient provides strategic support. She also offers advice for entrepreneurs pitching at competitions like TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield, emphasizing the importance of connection and presentation.
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Cascade Investment
- Eylul Kayin invested in Cascade, an AI-powered employee automation solution.
- Cascade personalizes questions and uses a human fallback system for unanswered queries.
First Work Investment
- Gradient Ventures invested in First Work, a platform for part-time and seasonal workers.
- First Work addresses onboarding, management, and payroll, unlike existing point solutions.
Enterprise AI Focus
- AI startups should focus on reliable and scalable solutions that address enterprise needs.
- Customer relationships and implementation are key, even with cutting-edge technology.