Leaving a Comfortable Career
Moving from a well-paid technology career into entrepreneurship can be a major leap. For Khyati Thakur, the decision became even more challenging when rapid advances in AI disrupted her startup’s first product.
A Startup Meets an AI Shock
Thakur, who holds a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Southern California, had been working in technology on an annual package of about ₹75 lakh before choosing entrepreneurship.
Customers Disappear
The company’s original product quickly faced a new market reality. According to a LinkedIn post described in the source material, the rise of tools including ChatGPT and Google’s AI offerings made the product far less relevant.
Months Spent Searching for a New Direction
The impact was severe: the startup lost its customers within about 30 days.
The Pressure of Building a Business
Rather than shutting down, Thakur and her team began searching for a new direction. They spent around seven months identifying a possible pivot and another nine months building a new product they believed could deliver meaningful value.
A Lesson in Fast-Changing Technology
The company has also faced financial pressure. Thakur said its runway had become tighter, while B2B sales could take three to four months to close. The startup was seeking investors who understood its vision.