Interviewer: Raamesh Chandra
Co-Interviewer: Yashika
Interviewee: Job Philip
Raamesh Chandra: Thank you, Job, for joining us today. Your work is remarkable and invaluable to the startup ecosystem. We appreciate your support and are thrilled to learn more about your journey.
Job Philip: Thank you, Raamesh. It’s a pleasure to be here. I appreciate your kind words and support.
Raamesh Chandra: Great. Now, I’ll let my colleague Yashika take over the questions for the interview.
Yashika: Sure. Hi Job, it’s great to connect with you. Let’s start with your background. What inspired you to start your venture in AI?
Job Philip: Good morning, Yashika. I’m delighted to be here. Regarding my background, I consider myself a well-traveled Indian. I was born in Kerala but grew up in Rajasthan. I graduated from IIT Bombay in 2003 and later did my MBA from Lucknow. I spent about 14 years in investment banking and private equity, working with Yes Bank, Kotak Investment Banking, and ICICI Venture. It was during my time at ICICI Venture that I traveled to China and saw computer vision in action for the first time. I was blown away by its potential. This experience inspired me to start my journey in AI, leading to the establishment of our company in 2018.
Yashika: That’s fascinating. What was the initial vision for your company, and how has it evolved over time?
Job Philip: Initially, we aimed to replicate the advanced computer vision technologies I saw in China here in India. In 2018, our focus was on AI, specifically computer vision AI. However, the specifics of deployment—whether on cameras, cloud, or other methods—were not clear. Over time, we settled on on-premise deployment, which means our GPU sits inside the client’s premises, taking real-time video feeds from their cameras for analysis. This approach ensures real-time insights and maintains data security. Our primary clients are large manufacturing facilities and warehouses, making up 65-70% of our base. Our focus has always been on providing high-quality, accurate solutions for B2B industrial setups.
Yashika: Given the crowded AI and tech landscape, how does your company stand out?
Job Philip: Our differentiation lies in our two foundational tenets: focusing on B2B industrial setups and on-premise deployment. Our solutions need to operate at a high level of accuracy, especially when dealing with product quality or safety alerts. Additionally, we spend a significant amount of time with our clients post-deployment, continuously improving our solutions based on their feedback. This strategy has led to a 50% increase in billing with existing clients year over year. Our commitment to quality, security, and client satisfaction sets us apart in the AI industry.
Yashika: How do you see the current state of the AI industry, particularly for Indian startups?
Job Philip: The AI industry, especially in computer vision, is still in its nascent stage, similar to the software industry in the 80s and 90s. However, the key difference is that replicating an AI model doesn’t require a large workforce. This means that good AI companies can emerge from anywhere in the world, not just India. While India has its strengths, quality human talent is available globally. Therefore, Indian startups must compete on a global scale, focusing on innovation and quality to succeed.
Yashika: What are the key challenges you foresee for the AI sector in the coming years?
Job Philip: One major challenge is the global competition. Indian AI companies must compete with Silicon Valley outfits, which have different resources and skill sets. Additionally, AI deployments require significant upfront investment and client support, which can be challenging during funding downturns. Companies need continuous funding and client engagement to navigate the initial years successfully. The landscape is competitive and unpredictable, making it essential for startups to excel in service, support, software, and hardware.
Raamesh Chandra: When did you start your operations?
Job Philip: We started the company in 2018, and our first client came in mid-2020. From then until the end of 2022, we were focused solely on India. In February 2023, we expanded to the US, and by mid-2023, we began operations in Saudi Arabia.
Raamesh Chandra: Thank you, Job, for sharing your insights and experiences. Your journey is truly inspiring, and we wish you continued success.
Job Philip: Thank you, Raamesh and Yashika. It’s been a pleasure discussing our journey with you.
