TLDR: Former Freshworks CEO, Girish Mathrubootham, is making a full transition to focus on artificial intelligence, investing in and nurturing AI startups through Together Fund and Together AI Studio. His ambition is to establish India as a global leader in AI, fostering an indigenous ecosystem and achieving AI sovereignty.
Girish Mathrubootham, the visionary co-founder of Together Fund and former founder-CEO of Freshworks Inc., is embarking on a new mission to position India at the forefront of the global artificial intelligence landscape. Mathrubootham, who was instrumental in identifying and capitalizing on India’s software-as-a-service (SaaS) wave, is now dedicating his expertise and resources to the burgeoning AI sector, transitioning from a founder-CEO role to that of an operator-investor.
Effective December 1, Mathrubootham will step down as the executive chairman of Freshworks, directing his full attention to Together Fund. This AI-focused venture fund, co-launched in 2021 with Eka Software founder Manav Garg, is designed to identify and back promising AI startups with the potential to elevate India’s standing on the international stage. The fund’s strategy extends beyond mere investment; it aims to actively build an enabling AI ecosystem within India and significantly invest in AI research.
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In a recent interview, Mathrubootham elaborated on his transition and the strategic imperatives driving Together Fund. He highlighted the fund’s involvement in incubating a consumer AI venture in collaboration with Dutch investment firm Prosus, underscoring a commitment to practical, impactful AI applications. A core tenet of his vision is the pursuit of AI sovereignty for India, a critical objective to mitigate dependency on global AI models and foster the development of a robust domestic AI stack through collaborative efforts. This strategic pivot by a prominent figure like Mathrubootham signals a significant push towards solidifying India’s position as a key player in the global AI revolution.
