Leaving $1.5B Startup Behind for AI's Next Wave | Neon, Nikita Shamgunov

Intro

In this interview, Nikita Shamgunov shares his journey from founding a $1.5B startup to starting a new venture in the AI space with Neon. He provides insights on navigating rapidly evolving technologies and staying adaptable in the tech landscape.

1. Left $1.5B, Start Again

Nikita Shamgunov left behind a $1.5B startup (SingleStore) to embark on a new venture with Neon. His decision to start afresh demonstrates a commitment to embracing new challenges and pursuing innovation in the AI sector.

2. Don't Launch Yet, Show Them First

Instead of immediately launching Neon, Nikita chose to showcase the product to potential users first. This approach of demonstrating value before official launch can help build excitement and validate the product's relevance in the market.

3. Kill Your Original Plan

Nikita emphasizes the importance of being willing to pivot and adapt by being open to scrapping the original plan. This flexibility allows for course corrections based on feedback and market dynamics, leading to a more successful outcome.

4. The Only Way Out is Up

Nikita advocates for a continuous growth mindset, where the only way forward is upward progress. By remaining focused on growth and improvement, entrepreneurs can overcome challenges and drive their ventures towards success in the fast-paced tech industry.