Alma
The Insight
Nischith and Vinod see generative AI as a step change in computing, not simply another software feature. Their starting point is that the interfaces and application structures people use today were designed before computers could understand intent, reason across information and act on a user's behalf. They are building around the belief that the next computing paradigm should feel native to that new capability rather than layering AI onto yesterday's interface.
The Product
Alma is a new computer. The company is starting at the interaction layer, with a longer-term ambition to rethink personal computing more broadly, from applications and operating systems through to hardware.
The Journey
Nischith and Vinod were both founding members of Sarvam, India’s leading sovereign AI company building strategic autonomy in artificial intelligence, and previously worked at Microsoft Research on foundational LLM research. Vinod has also been involved in landmark India-first technology efforts such as the Shakti processor programme, one of the country’s earliest demonstrations that advanced computing systems could be designed and built from India for the world. Nischith also graduated as the department rank holder in the CSE department from IIT Madras.
The Belief
Build products you would love to use, play long-term positive-sum games, and create new categories rather than compete inside old ones. Both founders also put a premium on keeping their word, building strong relationships and creating a company they would want to work in themselves.