Posted by High agency over Pedigrees – Inspiration for Indian startups & investors
While India’s startup eco-system obsesses over India doesn’t have PhDs, Resources – A simple English graduate proves all of that wrong.
I showcase – how we need to ignore all VCs, founders & naysayers – That global AI Companies can’t be built from India. I showcase a clear road in frugal budgets.
Anthropic founder – BA English & ex-HR
Anthropic Founded by siblings Dario (core techie) & Daniela Amodei (BA in English) teamed up & recently raised $13B at $183B valuation.
Real learning & backstory??
Daniela never wrote model code, was plain BA English. Ran political campaigns & became HR later.🤯
Nowhere close to anything of creating model.
Daniela Amodei’s formal education is publicly noted as a BA in English Literature from UC Santa Cruz—there is no record of a technical degree—so her expertise in AI policy and safety likely arises from professional experience rather than a technical academic foundation.
How come we in India are obsessing that we can’t do until we have Stanford in India, skils …blah blah blah
This is live example how teaming up with core techie built one of biggest names in AI.
She’s co-leading a company with $13B raised and $183B valuation – bigger than all VC funding in India in a year.
👉 Track record:
BA English → Political comms → HR/Stripe Risk → AI Governance → Anthropic
AI isn’t just about pedigree
Mental traps stopping to miss things in AI
As we have built our own Salesforce Agentforce alternative – I keep hearing – India doesn’t have talent to build global companies, we don’t have capital …blah blah
I can guarantee you – There are definitely areas which need far less money, far less pedigree. But I don’t blame any VC or founder.
Enterprise AI – not next Anthropic from India
I am sure Daniela’ story is to follow what fits you best…not to copy others.
Her are few articles I wrote that – India doesn’t need to build Anthropic or foundational model – just to catch up. Read here
We need battles where we are the winners – Enterprise AI & AI Platform. India has unique positioning for this.
How? That’s a separate topic.
But a challenge to Salesforce Agentforce & US Startups from India
Recently we applied for an RFP for bank worth $1.2M where IBM Watson & Salesforce Agentforce were also contenders.
It gives me confidence that our GTM via AI community – I co-founded is right track.
Despite several 1000 CRMs in world – Aurocell raised $30m recently. There’s a clear room for new market players.
Recently – some investors approached us to setup team in US.
All these can be in much less budget.
AI needs original thought leaders than money or degrees
I shared this message in AI communities about “BA English raising $13B” – & we concluded that Indian Startups & VCs need ambition, original thinkers than money or talent.
Reach out for a talk over coffee/Beer.