How I Built A GenAI Business To Help Manage AI Apps
Hello! Who are you and what business did you start?
Hello! My name is Harish Mandadi, and I am the CEO and Founder of AiFA Labs, a cutting-edge IT solutions company that I established in 2021. With over two decades of experience in IT sales and delivery, I identified a need for innovative, AI-driven solutions that could transform businesses across various industries. This vision led me to create AiFA Labs, which has rapidly grown into a global team of 250+ professionals operating across five countries.
Our flagship product is Cerebro, an all-in-one generative AI platform designed to empower enterprises in the responsible creation, management, and deployment of generative AI applications.
Cerebro offers a wide range of features, including SAP AI Code Assist, AI Prompt Marketplace, and Knowledge AI, catering to diverse business needs. Our customers span across industries, from IT and life sciences to consumer, marketing, and education.
What's your backstory and how did you come up with the idea?
My journey to founding AiFA Labs began with a passion for innovation and a drive to make a meaningful impact. Growing up, I was always fascinated by technology and its potential to transform lives. This interest led me to pursue a Master's degree in Computer Networking from Wichita State University.
Over the next two decades, I built a successful career in IT sales and delivery, working with top-tier companies like ADP and NTT DATA.
During my time in the industry, I witnessed firsthand the limitations of traditional approaches to software development and the immense potential of artificial intelligence. I became obsessed with the idea of harnessing AI to revolutionize the way businesses operate.
The concept of generative AI, in particular, resonated with me, and I saw an opportunity to create a platform that could democratize access to this powerful technology.
The "aha" moment came when I was working on an SAP implementation project for a large enterprise client. I realized that the traditional approach to software development was not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also limited in its ability to adapt to changing business needs.
I envisioned a platform that could leverage generative AI to automate and augment software development, making it faster, more efficient, and cost-effective. This epiphany marked the beginning of AiFA Labs.
With my background in IT sales and delivery, I had a deep understanding of the industry's pain points and the potential of AI to address them. I validated the idea through extensive research, industry reports, and conversations with potential customers and partners. I also assembled a team of experts in AI, software development, and sales to help refine the concept and build the platform.
At the time, I was financially secure, having built a successful career in IT. However, I was willing to take a calculated risk to pursue my passion and create something that could make a meaningful impact. I invested my own savings and poured my heart and soul into building AiFA Labs from the ground up.
The rest, as they say, is history. Today, AiFA Labs is a thriving business, and I am proud to be leading a team of innovators who share my vision of harnessing AI to transform the world.
Take us through the process of building the first version of your product.
Building the first version of Cerebro, our flagship generative AI platform, was a thrilling and challenging experience. Our team of experts in AI, software development, and design came together to create a cutting-edge solution that would revolutionize the way businesses approach software development. We started by defining the core features and functionalities of the platform, focusing on automation, augmentation, and efficiency.
We designed the initial user interface to be intuitive and user-friendly, with a modular architecture that would allow for easy scalability and customization. Our team worked tirelessly to develop the MVP (Minimum Viable Product), which we tested with a select group of beta users to gather feedback and iterate on the design. This process helped us refine the platform's performance, stability, and overall user experience.
As we prepared to launch the first version of Cerebro, we faced the challenge of finding the right manufacturing partner to handle the infrastructure and scalability requirements of our platform. After evaluating several options, we selected a trusted partner with expertise in cloud infrastructure and AI deployments.
This partnership enabled us to ensure seamless delivery and support for our customers. In terms of startup costs, we invested a significant amount in research and development, talent acquisition, and marketing efforts to create awareness and generate demand for our innovative solution.
Throughout the process, we navigated legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance with data privacy and security standards. While there were challenges along the way, our team's dedication and passion for innovation kept us driven to deliver a world-class product. Looking back at the early days, I'm proud of what we accomplished, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share our story.
My top tip for entrepreneurs who are just starting out is to embrace this uncertainty and be adaptable. Don't be afraid to pivot your strategy or adjust your plan if something isn't working.
Describe the process of launching the business.
Launching AiFA Labs was a strategic and meticulous process that involved several key steps. We began by creating a robust online presence, starting with our website, which served as the hub for our brand and product information. Our initial website was designed to be clean, modern, and informative, showcasing the features and benefits of Cerebro, our flagship product.
Our launch strategy focused on targeted marketing efforts, including social media campaigns, content marketing, and influencer partnerships. We also leveraged our professional networks and industry connections to generate buzz and secure early adopters.
Additionally, we invested in search engine optimization (SEO) to ensure our website and content were easily discoverable by potential customers. It took approximately six months before we started seeing a significant influx of customers, with our user base growing exponentially since then.
The marketing efforts paid off, as we 5x up our organic clicks a 20x up our impressions. We doubled our followers on LinkedIn, recently surpassing 5k.
In terms of financing, we self-funded the business through a combination of personal savings and credit cards. Our initial startup costs totaled around $500,000, which covered website development, marketing expenses, talent acquisition, and infrastructure setup. We did not utilize Kickstarter or other crowdfunding platforms, instead relying on our own resources and revenue generated from early customers to fuel growth.
The biggest lessons learned from starting and launching AiFA Labs include the importance of meticulous planning, adaptability, and perseverance. We encountered unexpected challenges and setbacks, but our team's resilience and commitment to innovation enabled us to overcome them.
Additionally, we learned the value of continuous iteration and improvement, regularly refining our product and processes to meet evolving customer needs and stay ahead of the competition
Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain customers?
We have focused on embracing what makes us different, being adaptable, and recognizing challenges as opportunities. This approach has allowed us to stay ahead of the competition and attract customers who are looking for a unique solution.
Additionally, hiring the right people and building a talented and dedicated team has been crucial in delivering exceptional customer service and building loyalty. We have also prioritized cash management and been smart about raising follow-on financing, ensuring stability and security for our customers.
In terms of specific marketing efforts, we have found success with social media campaigns, Facebook ads, and targeted content marketing. Our SEO strategy has also been effective in driving organic traffic to our website. Email marketing and regular newsletters have helped us stay in touch with existing customers and bring them back to our platform. Partnerships and collaborations with other businesses have also been a valuable way to expand our reach and attract new customers.
Some specific examples of our marketing efforts include our "AI in Action" social media campaign, which showcased real-world applications of our technology, and our "Cerebro for Business" email marketing series, which highlighted the benefits of our platform for enterprises.
We have also leveraged PR efforts, securing media coverage in industry publications and thought leadership pieces. Screenshots of our analytics dashboards show significant growth in website traffic and customer engagement over the past year, demonstrating the effectiveness of these strategies.
How are you doing today and what does the future look like?
Today, our operations have scaled to meet demand, with a team of over 250 employees and a robust infrastructure in place to support our growth. We are now exploring expansion into new products and audiences, including the launch of a new AI-powered tool for small businesses and a targeted marketing campaign to reach new regions.
In the short term, our goals include continuing to optimize our marketing efforts and expanding our product offerings to meet evolving customer needs. In the long term, we aim to establish AiFA Labs as a leading player in the AI and machine learning space, with a global presence and a reputation for innovation and excellence.
Another mistake I often see other entrepreneurs making is trying to go it alone. Building a successful business requires a team effort, so don't be afraid to ask for help and surround yourself with people who share your vision and are passionate about your mission.
Through starting the business, have you learned anything particularly helpful or advantageous?
Starting AiFA Labs has been a transformative experience, filled with valuable lessons and insights. One of the most significant advantages has been learning from our mistakes and poor decisions. For instance, we initially underestimated the importance of content marketing, which led to a slow start in building our online presence. However, we quickly adapted and invested in high-quality content creation, which has since become a crucial driver of our growth.
On the other hand, we made some excellent decisions, such as forming strategic partnerships with industry leaders and investing in targeted social media campaigns. These efforts have not only expanded our reach but also helped us build credibility and trust with our customers. Additionally, we've been fortunate to have a talented and dedicated team, which has been instrumental in driving our success.
Through this journey, I've learned the importance of adaptability, resilience, and continuous learning. I've developed a habit of regularly reflecting on our progress, identifying areas for improvement, and seeking guidance from mentors and industry experts. These habits have enabled us to stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions that drive our growth.
Moreover, I've come to realize the significance of timing and trends; being in the right place at the right time with the right solution has certainly contributed to our success. Overall, starting AiFA Labs has been an incredible experience, and I'm grateful for the lessons learned and the opportunities that lie ahead.
What platform/tools do you use for your business?
Our flagship product, the Cerebro GenAI platform, is an enterprise generative AI platform that empowers businesses to create, manage, and deploy generative AI applications with ease and responsibility. Additionally, we offer the Flow AI Designer, a low-code/no-code tool that enables quick creation, management, and deployment of generative AI applications. Our suite of over 200 connectors integrates enterprise systems with the power of artificial intelligence.
We have a customized technology stack that suits our specific business needs, and we don't rely on any third-party apps or tools. Our team has developed bespoke solutions to manage our operations, and we continuously innovate and improve our internal systems to drive efficiency and growth.
What have been the most influential books, podcasts, or other resources?
The Tim Ferriss Show, How I Built This with Guy Raz, Entrepreneurs on Fire, Masters of Scale, and HBR IdeaCast are some of the most influential podcasts for business and entrepreneurship.
These podcasts offer a unique perspective into the world of business and entrepreneurship, with insights and strategies from some of the most successful people in the industry. From Tim Ferriss's wide-ranging conversations with top-tier scientists, athletes, actors, and entrepreneurs to Guy Raz's engaging stories of entrepreneurship, these podcasts provide valuable lessons and inspiration for business leaders.
These resources are valuable because they offer real-world examples and practical advice from people who have built successful companies and overcome challenges. They provide a window into the minds of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders, offering insights into what works and what doesn't, and how to navigate the ups and downs of building a business.
By listening to these podcasts, entrepreneurs and business leaders can gain new perspectives, learn from others' experiences, and develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Advice for other entrepreneurs who want to get started or are just starting out?
As an entrepreneur, I've learned that the journey to success is often unpredictable and filled with unexpected twists and turns. My top tip for entrepreneurs who are just starting out is to embrace this uncertainty and be adaptable. Don't be afraid to pivot your strategy or adjust your plan if something isn't working. And always keep learning - read books, attend conferences, and seek out mentors who can offer valuable guidance and support.
Another mistake I often see other entrepreneurs making is trying to go it alone. Building a successful business requires a team effort, so don't be afraid to ask for help and surround yourself with people who share your vision and are passionate about your mission. And don't be too proud to ask for help - whether it's a mentor, a coach, or a friend, having someone to turn to for advice and support can make all the difference.
My final piece of advice is to stay focused on your why - the reason you started your business in the first place. It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of your goals, but remembering your purpose and passion can help you stay motivated and inspired, even when the going gets tough. Always keep your customers at the forefront of your mind - their needs and feedback should drive your decision-making and guide your strategy.
In short, entrepreneurship is a journey, not a destination. It takes hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn and adapt. But if you stay focused, stay humble, and stay true to your vision, the possibilities are endless. So go out there and make it happen - the world needs more entrepreneurs like you!
Are you looking to hire for certain positions right now?
We are currently hiring for several positions at AiFA Labs! We are looking for a Full Stack Developer with expertise in Node.js and React.js, an Azure DevOps Engineer with experience in IAC Terraform, a Python Developer, and a Sap Finance Control Consultant.
These positions offer a mix of hybrid and remote work options and are located in Hyderabad, India, and Türkiye. If you're interested in joining our team and have the skills and experience we're looking for, please apply through our website or by emailing your resume and cover letter to info@aifalabs.com. We can't wait to hear from you!
Where can we go to learn more?
If you have any questions or comments, drop a comment below!
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