StartUp / Ai Startups
Track AI startups, new venture creation, founder strategy, product direction and investment signals across the fast-moving artificial intelligence sector.
From a tiny village in Bihar to building a global AI company!
Topic
Entrepreneurial Journey from Bihar to Silicon Valley
Key insights
- Two boys from Behar created a modern AI technology company, Devrev
- Devrevs evaluation is 10,000 crores
- The company employs 7-9 nationalities including Argentina, Slovenia, and India
- The story emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship from Behar
- The co-founder has been in the US for 20-25 years but remains rooted in Indian culture
- The speaker reflects on their upbringing in a small village with no electricity or clean water
Perspectives
Explores the journey of two entrepreneurs from Bihar to building a global AI company.
Dheeraj Pandey
- Highlights the importance of hard work and dedication in overcoming challenges
- Describes the lack of basic infrastructure in rural Bihar and its impact on education
- Emphasizes the significance of self-study and perseverance in achieving academic success
- Discusses the challenges of language barriers in academic settings
- Stresses the value of building a career based on ethics rather than resume building
- Explains the founding of DevRev as a means to connect products and customers
Manoj Agarwal
- Questions the systemic barriers that limit educational access for students from non-English backgrounds
- Challenges the notion of meritocracy in the context of personal success stories
- Encourages reflection on the importance of mental health and well-being in high-pressure environments
- Discusses the need for systemic changes to support individuals navigating transitions
Neutral / Shared
- Acknowledges the role of luck in achieving success
- Recognizes the importance of community and support in personal growth
Metrics
valuation
10,000 crores INR
company valuation
A high valuation indicates strong market confidence and potential for growth.
Devrev, whose evaluation is 10,000 crores.
exam_attempts
all of them in the first attempt attempts
number of exams passed on the first attempt
Demonstrates the effectiveness of self-study and determination.
I got into all of them in the first attempt.
years_married
26 years
duration of marriage
This reflects long-term commitment and stability in personal life.
It has been 26 years, not 26 years now for us.
company_age
five years
age of Devden since its founding
Indicates the company's experience and growth trajectory since its inception.
this is our fifth year now, five years.
founding_year
2020 year
year Devden was started
Highlights the company's origin during a significant global event, potentially influencing its business model.
at the height of the COVID in 2020, both Dheera and I would decide to start this company.
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
Two boys from Behar founded an AI technology company named Devrev, which is valued at 10,000 crores. The company employs individuals from multiple nationalities, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit emerging from small villages in India.
- Two boys from Behar created a modern AI technology company, Devrev
- Devrevs evaluation is 10,000 crores
- The company employs 7-9 nationalities including Argentina, Slovenia, and India
- The story emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship from Behar
- The co-founder has been in the US for 20-25 years but remains rooted in Indian culture
- The speaker reflects on their upbringing in a small village with no electricity or clean water
05:00–10:00
The discussion centers on the lack of basic infrastructure and healthcare in a rural area, highlighting the challenges faced by residents. It also reflects on the speaker's educational journey and entrepreneurial experiences in this environment.
- There is no running water in the area
- People walk to get water from the well
- There are no hospitals or doctors in the area
- If someone has a heart attack, they are sure to die
- The same teacher who taught the speaker is still teaching in the village after 40 years
- The speaker attended a Hindi medium school until fifth grade
10:00–15:00
The discussion focuses on the educational journey of an individual from Bihar, emphasizing the importance of performing well in the 10th grade to pursue further education. It highlights the challenges faced during this journey, including difficult living conditions and the necessity of self-study.
- th grade is crucial for getting out of Bihar and pursuing education elsewhere
- Studied from midnight to 8 oclock after working in a shop
- Did well in the board exam and got out of the place
- Patna was a significant step up from the previous location
- Lived in a hostel that cost 60 rupees for a year
- The hostel conditions were challenging, especially during rain
15:00–20:00
The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by an individual from a Hindi medium background in preparing for the IIT entrance exam. It highlights the importance of self-study and perseverance in overcoming language barriers and achieving academic success.
- IIT JEE was harder than expected
- Did not attend coaching or know about Gradual class or brilliant class
- Studied SC Vermas and KC Sinais books independently
- Woke up at 4 oclock in the morning to study
- Got into IIT Kanpur on the first attempt
- Came from a Hindi medium background, faced language barriers
20:00–25:00
The discussion addresses the challenges of language barriers in academic settings, particularly for individuals from non-English backgrounds. It emphasizes the importance of alternative forms of expression, such as music and photography, in fostering belonging and overcoming these barriers.
- Thinking about answers in Hindi and translating to English can lead to delays
- Self-doubt arises when struggling with language in an academic setting
- Learning technical terms in English can build confidence
- Music was used as a means of expression on campus
- Photography was another way to express oneself without language barriers
- Started an all-India photography exhibition competition called Hakriti
25:00–30:00
The discussion centers on the individual's journey to improve English speaking skills after recognizing personal shortcomings. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and commitment to a singular life plan for motivation.
- Recognized the need to work on English speaking after the first year on campus
- Attended an English speaking course in Calcutta during a three-month summer break
- Felt judged by others in the English class but chose to be aware of personal shortcomings
- Emphasized that change starts with oneself, not others
- Mentioned the concept of Parish-Thiti, indicating that external situations may not change
- Stressed the importance of having a single plan in life to motivate oneself fully