Upekkha

3 Core AI Opportunities for Indian Companies: 1. Vertical AI Solutions - Focus on unsexy, ignored markets - Deep domain expertise advantage 2. Software + Services Model - Combine tools with outcomes - Leverage IT services DNA 3. Builder Tools - New Gen AI development stack - MLOps 2.0 opportunity Download the AI SaaS report for detailed analysis https://lnkd.in/dp-_Kv-S

Traditional SaaS thinking vs AI reality: • "Engineering cost advantage matters" - No longer • "Fast follower strategy works" - Not anymore • "Tools over outcomes" - Wrong approach • "Avoid services" - Missing the opportunity The future is Software AND Services, not Software AS Service. Get the full AI Saas report: https://lnkd.in/dp-_Kv-S

Feature Addition vs Product Vision: Endless Addition: • Say yes to all requests • Diluted identity • Category confusion • Maintenance nightmare Strategic Focus: • Clear boundaries • Strong identity • Category leadership • Sustainable growth The difference? Knowing when to say no. Read this post for simple product strategy questions: https://lnkd.in/gE6hNtVy

5 Critical AI Strategy Questions: 1. How is customer behavior changing? 2. What's your skunk team look like? 3. Where's your 100X improvement in problems you care about? 4. Which human behaviors won't change? 5. Are you led for wartime speed? Markets punish slow movers: Ask Chegg (-40% value in one quarter). How to make choice in the AI shift, a guide: https://lnkd.in/dt3-mwyY

"Companies with strong brands command 2.5x higher valuations than those with superior technology" - Shreesha Ramdas, founder of Strikedeck (acquired), now building Lumber. His key insight: Branding isn't about budget - it's about narrative. Strikedeck's woodpecker mascot drove higher brand recall than competitors' million-dollar campaigns. Get Shreesha's insights on building, scaling and exits: <https://lnkd.in/gav6acYV> #StartupBranding

Common AI myths vs Reality: • "Move fast and break things" - Wrong: Deliberate choices matter more • "AI first is a strategy" - False: Empty slogans kill companies • "We need more engineers" - Incorrect: AI reduces technical debt • "Current leadership can adapt" - No: Platform shifts need wartime CEOs Get the blog post with details: https://lnkd.in/gav6acYV

Old Way of Networking: - Random coffee meetings - Reaching out only when needed - Sporadic communications - One-off interactions New Way of Networking: - Systematic monthly updates - Consistent value sharing - Regular touch points - Relationship compound interest Read more: https://lnkd.in/e84Sqmxa

Gen AI isn't just another feature - it's rewriting software categories. Today's CRM and support tools will vanish as outcomes replace tools. Indian firms, with deep services DNA, are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. IT services ($1.6T) represents 6.4x larger opportunity than SaaS ($250B). Get the complete AI SaaS report: https://lnkd.in/dp-_Kv-S

Traditional beliefs challenged by AI: • Services businesses mean low margins - False • Strategy needs complex frameworks - Wrong • North Stars shouldn't change - Incorrect • Big teams solve big problems - Myth Reality: Two-pizza teams with autonomy outperform large departments in AI era. Learn how this AI change is happening: https://lnkd.in/dt3-mwyY

5 Customer Validation Tactics by Shreesha Ramdas (founder Lumber, exited Strikedeck) 1. Hire external SDR (removes network bias) 2. Target 150+ potential customers 3. Ask open-ended workflow questions 4. Filter wishlists from actual needs 5. Secure 25 development partners Read more: https://lnkd.in/gav6acYV