Indian e-commerce co-founder Binny Bansal is launching an AI-as-a-Service startup to cater to the growing demand for AI solutions, marking a new chapter in his career. The AI-as-a-Service startup will serve a global clientele.
After Flipkart’s sale to Walmart, Flipkart founder Bansal is investing in startups and aiming to create an enterprise that rivals Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys in providing AI talent, products, and services to corporate customers worldwide, using his expertise and resources.
Currently operating in stealth mode, the startup has already brought on board a cadre of 15 AI experts, primarily scientists, with plans to expand this team in the near future. The startup’s strategy is clear and focused: it will initially target the e-commerce and legal industries, with a roadmap to eventually encompass analytics, data science, and financial services.
Bansal’s new venture is not just about offering cutting-edge AI solutions; it’s also about nurturing talent. The startup intends to tap into India’s vast pool of young, English-speaking professionals, particularly from smaller cities, to foster a new generation of AI experts. This approach not only promises innovative services but also contributes to the upskilling of the workforce in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
The operational hub of this ambitious project will be based in Bengaluru, India’s Silicon Valley, while the headquarters will be strategically located in Singapore, a global business nexus. Moreover, Bansal’s plans include expanding the startup’s reach to the United States, indicating a global vision for the company.
The anticipation for the startup’s offerings is high, with a product launch expected in the second half of 2024. While details on the exact products remain under wraps, the startup’s stealth mode operation suggests that something transformative is on the horizon.
Bansal’s pivot from e-commerce to AI is a testament to his adaptive business acumen and his ability to foresee and act on technology trends. His new venture is not just a business move; it’s a strategic play that could redefine how corporates engage with AI technology.