Bengaluru intern quits after securing funding for AI startup

Only in Bengaluru: Intern Quits After Securing Funding for AI Startup

In a city celebrated for its entrepreneurial spirit, a recent incident has encapsulated the unique charm of Bengaluru’s startup ecosystem. An intern at Flexiple, a prominent tech company, has made headlines by resigning from his position after his AI startup received venture capital funding. This story is a quintessential example of how Bengaluru continues to be a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurial activity.

 The Unexpected Twist

Karthik Sridharan, CEO of Flexiple, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a surprising exchange he had with one of his interns. On a seemingly ordinary Friday, Sridharan noticed the intern was absent from work and sent a WhatsApp message to inquire about it. The intern’s response was anything but ordinary:

“Hey, sorry I took a leave because I had a meeting with a VC. My AI startup got funded. I don’t need the internship anymore.”

Sridharan’s reaction, “This only happens in Bangalore,” was a nod to Bengaluru’s reputation as a city where extraordinary startup stories unfold. The CEO’s post, complete with a screenshot of the conversation, quickly went viral, drawing a flurry of responses from the online community.

 Reactions: A Mixed Bag

The reactions to the intern’s abrupt departure were varied. Many applauded the intern’s achievement, celebrating the successful funding of his startup as a significant milestone. The enthusiasm was palpable, reflecting the supportive and optimistic nature of Bengaluru’s tech community.

Abhimanyu Saxena, co-founder of Scaler, commented positively, “Glad for the kid! Just hope someone guides him to get better at communications as well!” Saxena’s remark highlights a common sentiment: while the intern’s entrepreneurial success is commendable, there is room for growth in terms of professional communication.

However, not all responses were as supportive. Some critics viewed the intern’s exit as lacking in professionalism. One user on X remarked, “I think this is disrespectful to some extent but understandable.” This comment underscores the tension between celebrating entrepreneurial success and adhering to professional norms.

Another user echoed a similar sentiment: “No matter how young or inexperienced someone is, basic communication skills and respect for others are needed.” These remarks reflect concerns about the manner in which the intern handled his departure, emphasizing the importance of respect and professionalism in any career move.

In contrast, some users took a more humorous approach, with one quipping, “I guess that internship was just the warm-up!” and another simply noting, “Just Bengaluru things,” accompanied by a laughing face emoji. These comments capture the light-hearted side of Bengaluru’s startup culture, where surprising and unconventional stories are part of the norm.

 Bengaluru: The Startup Capital

Bengaluru’s status as India’s leading startup hub is well-earned, with the city consistently outranking others like Delhi and Mumbai in terms of its startup ecosystem. According to Startup Genome’s Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2024, Bengaluru continues to be a vibrant and dynamic environment for tech innovation and entrepreneurship.

The incident involving the intern and Flexiple is a testament to the city’s thriving startup culture, where even an internship can be a stepping stone to significant entrepreneurial success. It also highlights the city’s unique character, where stories of rapid transitions from interns to startup founders are not uncommon.

 Conclusion

While the intern’s departure from Flexiple might have stirred some debate, it also underscores the exciting and unpredictable nature of Bengaluru’s startup ecosystem. The city’s ability to foster such rapid entrepreneurial growth is both remarkable and inspiring, reflecting its position as a global leader in innovation.

As Bengaluru continues to nurture and celebrate its entrepreneurial talent, stories like these will remain a vibrant part of its dynamic tech landscape. Whether you view the intern’s exit as a bold move or a lesson in professional etiquette, one thing is clear: Bengaluru’s startup scene is alive with possibilities and surprises.

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