India, July 12 -- "Not using AI is like being left behind," Apple CEO Tim Cook's remark captures the urgency around artificial intelligence today - though the tinge of irony in these words coming from Apple is not lost on us.

For a growing number of India's startup founders, however, things are moving beyond this starting point. Using AI is passe, they now want to build AI-native startups.

The latest name to join that list is Zeta founder Bhavin Turakhia. Earlier this week, he launched Neo, an AI-native workplace platform backed by a $30 Mn personal investment. Instead of adding AI assistants to existing workplace software, Neo wants AI agents to work alongside employees, complete tasks and access an organisation's knowledge base.

Tura...