Welcome to Homebase Edition #24 - A weekly newsletter bringing you stories & insights from smart founders & tech leaders who are leveraging AI to build game-changing companies.
What’s on tap today:
Our interview with Rajini Anachi, co-founder of AvaWatz
Weekly AI Headline Recap
What's trending in AI
AI FOUNDER SPOTLIGHT
Building Trust in AI: Rajini Anachi on AvaWatz's Mission in Robotics
We recently spoke with Rajini Anachi, co-founder of AvaWatz, a startup developing AI models for robotic applications in unpredictable environments. Our conversation covered AI-powered robotics in defense, security, and other sectors. Anachi discussed AvaWatz's approach to building trusted AI models, their funding strategy, and the company's growth from a U.S. Air Force challenge to broader applications.
What they've achieved so far:
💰 Got accepted to Y-Combinator and raised another $2.5M
🚀 Developed key AI tools: GENIE, FALCON, and TABIT
🔧 Created AI solutions for defense, security, and infrastructure inspection
🤝 Strategic partnerships accounting for 50% of the sales pipeline
AvaWatz develops AI models for robots operating in unpredictable environments. They focus on creating reliable AI solutions for complex tasks in defense, security, and infrastructure inspection, enhancing efficiency and safety in these critical areas.
How they did it:
Started with a U.S. Air Force challenge to create a runway debris detection and cleanup system
Bootstrapped with $5 million: $2.5M from customer R&D contracts and $2.5M from equity
Developed AI tools: GENIE for efficient labeling, FALCON for model trustworthiness, and TABIT for autonomous decision-making
Focused initially on defense, now expanding into hospitality and utility industries
Implemented strategic partnerships, accounting for 50% of their sales pipeline
Key Highlights:
Specializing in AI models for robotic applications in unpredictable, austere environments
Developing solutions for security in crowded areas, critical infrastructure inspection, and defense operations
Creating AI products that ensure human safety by tackling dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks
Aiming to expand across multiple verticals within 3 years
Planning to scale sales and marketing efforts and offer early shareholders a secondary trading opportunity within 5 years
Targeting to become industry leaders in trusted AI solutions, positioned to go public within 10 years
