A controversial claim suggesting that only “white Europeans” have founded notable AI companies sparked backlash on social media, particularly among the tech community. The statement, posted on X (formerly Twitter), dismissed the entrepreneurial capabilities of Indians, stating they could manage AI companies but not start them.
The comment quickly drew the attention of Aravind Srinivas, the Indian-origin co-founder and CEO of Perplexity AI. Srinivas, a former researcher at OpenAI, responded to the inflammatory post with just one emoji: the monocle face. This subtle yet pointed reaction encapsulated skepticism and encouraged others to scrutinize the claim.
Fact-Checking the Claim
The controversial post was promptly flagged with a community note for being factually inaccurate. The note highlighted several Indian-founded AI companies, including Perplexity AI, which Srinivas co-founded alongside Johnny Ho, Denis Yarats, and Andy Konwinski in 2022. Perplexity AI currently boasts a valuation of over $8 billion and serves more than 15 million users globally.
Another example cited was Abridge, an AI-powered clinical documentation company founded by Indian-American Dr. Shiv Rao. Abridge has a valuation of $2.5 billion and supports over 10,000 clinicians.
Who is Aravind Srinivas?
An alumnus of IIT Madras, Aravind Srinivas started his career with stints at tech giants like Google and DeepMind before joining OpenAI as a researcher. As the CEO of Perplexity AI, Srinivas is also an angel investor in various AI projects, further establishing his role as a leader in the AI domain.
Social Media Reacts
Srinivas’ concise emoji response resonated widely, with many lauding his ability to dismantle a prejudiced remark with quiet confidence. Social media users also pointed out the growing presence of Indian entrepreneurs in the global AI landscape, emphasizing their significant contributions to innovation and job creation.
This incident underscores the need for inclusivity in tech discourse and highlights the achievements of Indian-origin professionals breaking barriers in the AI industry.
