Diwali 2024: Infosys’ Secret for AI Startup Success

Hey everyone,

As we light up our homes for Diwali, there’s a distinct brightness in the air, a time of celebration, reflection, and fresh beginnings. And for those of us building in the startup world, it’s also a time to reflect on how to illuminate our brands, ideas, and impact.?

The festival of lights, dearly known as Diwali, is a vibrant celebration rooted in joy, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness.?

It’s a time when families come together to decorate homes with lamps and rangolis, share sweets, and engage in traditions that strengthen bonds and express gratitude.?

Here’s a bit of Diwali wisdom for all of us in the startup ecosystem, inspired by a sentiment shared by Nandan Nilekani of Infosys: “Don’t focus on building “just another” AI model.”?

Nilekani’s words remind us that our focus should be on solutions that matter. This Diwali, let’s set aside the “features” mentality and think about foundational values.

Just as Diwali lights up our communities, a well-lit brand strategy for AI startups can ignite real relationships and create lasting impact.?

Let’s validate, reflect, and bring the right expertise into our spaces.

The Problem Before the Solution

“Our goal should not be to build one more LLM. Let the big boys in the (Silicon) Valley do it, spending billions of dollars.”

Nandan Nilekani at Meta’s Build with AI Summit in Bangalore

It’s a strange phenomenon in our industry.?

Walk into any startup event today, and you’ll find founder after founder talking about their “life-altering” product.?

They’re enthusiastic and proud but here’s a question: how many of these “revolutionary” products will still be relevant six months down the line??

Building a solution doesn’t guarantee market value but addressing a genuine, validated problem does.?

The stark reality is, that many will quietly fade, struggling to find the product-market fit that’s essential to survive in this ecosystem.

This is the foundation of product-market fit.

“A powerful product starts with an authentic need”, he continues.?

Far too often, founders develop a kind of tunnel vision, obsessing over the product itself and overlooking the very reason it exists—to solve a problem.?

Validation of that problem is everything. So this Diwali, as we’re planning and innovating for the future, let’s commit to avoiding the rabbit hole of “building just to build.”?

Instead, let’s design our solutions around what truly matters.

In an atmosphere dominated by AI startups, it’s easy to get caught up in creating the next “groundbreaking” tool or model.?

But if it isn’t addressing a tangible, real-world issue, it’s like reinventing the wheel only to attach it to a wagon that no one’s riding.?

Marketing: The Diwali Edition

With the Diwali season upon us, it’s also a prime time for marketers to create campaigns that don’t just attract attention, but genuinely resonate with people’s lives. Here are a few Diwali-themed strategies to consider for your growing startup:

Celebrate with purpose?

It’s tempting to dress up a campaign with lights, gifts, and fireworks, but consider how your brand can add value in a way that resonates meaningfully. Can you tie your campaign to a real problem your audience faces??

Or perhaps engage with local communities to shine a light on under-recognized issues? This Diwali, think about marketing as a service, not just a message.

Now is the time to start with sustainability

Diwali is increasingly becoming about mindful celebration. This year, why not create a campaign that aligns with eco-friendly values? From minimizing waste to promoting sustainable products, introduce the idea of a responsible Diwali.

Build on cultural relevance

The magic of Diwali is deeply rooted in culture, traditions, and family. Whether through storytelling, nostalgia, or interactive experiences, your brand has an opportunity to connect in a way that feels like a celebration of shared values.?

Could you spotlight stories of resilience, joy, or triumph in your brand’s journey? Or share customer stories that tie into the season’s warmth?

Why Startups Need Fractional Experts

With OpenGrowth’s fractional model, we’re ready to provide that missing link. This approach has been integral to keeping our vision fresh, and it’s how we help other startups avoid the pitfalls of tunnel vision.?

The goal is simple: make sure the solution fits the real problem.

Wishing you a purposeful, insightful Diwali ??

Here’s to a Diwali that’s not just bright but impactful. May your innovations this season be meaningful, your solutions needed, and your success built on a foundation of true product-market fit.?

Let’s light up this season by focusing on what matters most—solving real problems and making a real difference.

Until next time, keep building with purpose and perspective.

Here are my previous newsletters for a glimpse into my life as a startup founder:?

1. 56% of startups struggle with delegation: Scale smarter
2. The new normal: Fractional expertise in the modern workplace

Warm wishes,? Akriti Verma

Co-founder, OpenGrowth