In the latest episode of the ASCEND podcast, we talk to Dhiren Bhatia, CEO and co-founder of Inventive AI, a two-time founder with an impressive track record.

Having built and sold his first startup, Viewic, to Roche, Dhiren returned to the entrepreneurial arena with a renewed vision for how AI can reshape the business landscape. His experiences with Viewic taught him essential lessons in resilience, decision-making, and the art of building something that stands out—all insights he brings to Inventive AI.

In this conversation, Dhiren shares invaluable advice for founders and startup enthusiasts. From navigating the seed-stage challenges to selecting co-founders with complementary skills, he opens up about the nuances of startup life and the power of AI-driven innovation. With a unique focus on cultivating a “casually intense” work culture that fosters creativity and productivity without compromising the team's well-being, Dhiren also discusses his philosophy for keeping his team motivated and engaged in a high-paced environment. 

Join us as we explore Dhiren’s journey, his vision for Inventive AI, and his insights into building an agile, forward-thinking company in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a curious listener, Dhiren’s story provides a fresh perspective on the art and science of startup success.

Lessons from Previous Ventures:
Dhiren reflects on the lessons he learned from his first startup, Viewic, which Roche eventually acquired. He explains that while Viewic faced many challenges, each obstacle taught him valuable skills in adaptability, decision-making, and resource management. These experiences allowed him to approach Inventive AI with a stronger foundation and a clearer understanding of what works—and what doesn’t—in a startup environment.

Impact of AI on Startups:
AI has fundamentally changed the way startups operate, and Dhiren discusses both the opportunities and risks this brings. He emphasizes how AI-driven automation can enhance efficiency and reduce costs, but also notes that the rapid pace of AI development demands that companies stay informed and adaptable. For Inventive AI, leveraging AI tools means continually innovating to meet market needs and understanding AI's evolving role in technology.

Strategic Co-Founder Selection:
Dhiren talks about the importance of carefully selecting co-founders who bring complementary skills to the team. He explains that having partners with different areas of expertise helps fill knowledge gaps and balances the decision-making process. For example, if one founder excels in tech development, pairing them with someone strong in business strategy can create a more holistic approach to running the startup.

Encouraging Creative Thinking:
Dhiren emphasizes fostering an environment that promotes creative thinking within his team. He believes that allowing employees to experiment, take calculated risks, and suggest new ideas fuels innovation and keeps the company dynamic. To support this, he implements strategies to encourage brainstorming sessions and open communication, allowing team members to share insights without fear of criticism.

Effective Execution:
Dhiren stresses that innovative ideas are only as valuable as their execution. He outlines how, at Inventive AI, there is a strong focus on turning concepts into concrete outcomes. This involves setting clear goals, establishing timelines, and monitoring progress to ensure that ideas don’t just remain theoretical but are developed into practical, marketable solutions.

Building a Strong Team:
Building a team that resonates with the company’s mission is crucial for success, according to Dhiren. He shares his approach to hiring individuals who not only possess the technical skills needed but also align with the company’s values and vision. This creates a unified, goal-oriented team that works well together and stays committed to the startup’s long-term success.

Navigating the Seed Stage:

Dhiren provides insights into the specific challenges of the seed stage, such as securing initial funding and establishing a solid market presence. He emphasizes the importance of crafting a compelling narrative that communicates the startup’s mission, value, and potential growth to capture investor interest. Building relationships with investors early on, even before formally seeking funding, can help build trust and confidence in the team.

Dhiren also advises focusing on resource efficiency by maintaining a lean team and prioritizing high-impact activities to stretch limited resources. Developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to test the concept with real users allows the team to validate product-market fit and collect early data, which is critical for convincing investors of the product's demand and scalability. Additionally, Dhiren highlights setting achievable milestones and staying agile in response to market feedback as essential strategies to build momentum and show adaptability. This early-stage experience, he notes, is often the most critical period in a startup’s life cycle, where strategic execution and flexibility lay the groundwork for future growth.

Balancing Casual and Intense Work Culture:
Dhiren describes the “casually intense” work culture at Inventive AI, where there is a balance between a relaxed atmosphere and a driven, high-performance mindset. He believes that creating a flexible environment allows employees to work at their best without feeling burnt out while also maintaining a focus on achieving ambitious goals. This balance, he argues, is key to sustaining motivation and productivity.

Adapting to Market Changes:
In an ever-changing tech landscape, Dhiren highlights the importance of being agile and responsive to shifts in market demands. He explains that Inventive AI actively monitors industry trends and adjusts its strategy accordingly, allowing it to stay competitive and relevant. This adaptability is not only a defensive tactic but also opens doors to new opportunities as the market evolves.

Vision for the Future:

Finally, Dhiren shares his long-term vision for Inventive AI, focusing on developing AI solutions that solve real-world problems in creative and impactful ways. He hopes to push the boundaries of what AI can do, aiming to create technology that is accessible, useful, and transformative. His vision centers on contributing to a future where AI is not just an asset for companies, but a tool that improves everyday life.

Apple - Click Here

Spotify - Click Here