Exploration of businesses adopting AI, real vs. trend AI players, India's position in AI, Sarvamiai's success, evolving AI tech, challenges in assessing AI capabilities, building language models, lessons from internet boom in AI investing
Adding 'AI' to company names for tech appeal may not always reflect genuine AI capabilities.
Monetizing AI in India requires building efficient models tailored to local needs and using specialized infrastructure.
Deep dives
The Growing Trend of Adding AI to Company Names
Many companies, including a tile trader and a kitchen appliance company, are adding 'AI' to their names to signal technological advancement. This trend is seen as a way to attract higher valuations and investment. However, it raises questions about who is actually building AI and whether companies are effectively monetizing it.
The Rise of AI in India and its Implications
AI is gaining prominence in India, with companies like Ola and Sarvamiai achieving unicorn status. Indian companies are focusing on building smaller, more efficient language models, with a specific emphasis on voice interactions and Indian language support. However, the challenge remains to make AI accessible and affordable in a market with lower per capita GDP. Continuous capital infusion and the ability to build strong moats will be crucial for Indian AI startups to compete with global players.
Monetizing AI and Evaluating AI Companies
Monetizing AI in India requires reimagining user experiences and focusing on specific industries such as customer service, education, and healthcare. Evaluating AI companies goes beyond valuations and capital raised. Investors look for true high-quality AI, specialized infrastructure, and differentiation in the market. The aim is to build models that are efficient, scalable, and meet the unique needs of the Indian market while also considering the cost involved in acquiring and training data.
Companies are jumping on the AI (Artificial Intelligence) bandwagon to appear cutting-edge. Some are even scrambling to add ".ai'' to their names, including a tile company. Yes, you read that right. But gone are the days when the suffix ‘AI’ sufficed to impress investors and consumers. And amidst the hype, some crucial questions arise – who's actually doing real AI? And who is merely just jumping at the trend? How are investors evaluating AI companies? And where is India in the AI cycle? Host Mugdha Variyar differentiates ‘artificial’ from ‘artificial intelligence’ with Hemant Mohapatra, Partner at Lightspeed India and Vivek Raghavan, Co-Founder at Sarvam.ai. Tune in to the latest episode of The Morning Brief podcast!