Microsoft-Backed AI Startup “Builder.ai,” Valued at $1.5 Billion, Collapses After Disclosure of Indian Engineers Behind AI Responses

Sure thing. Here it goes:

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I mean, what’s even happening with AI these days? It’s like every time I blink, something new pops up, right? Anyway, it blows my mind how fast this tech is moving. But then, there’s a catch. And it’s kind of big. Some folks are waving red flags about the dangers of just hopping on this AI hype train. Like this company, Builder.ai, ring any bells?

So yeah, AI’s like, one of those high-rolling industries — money is just pouring in! Companies like NVIDIA are riding that wave and, wow, they’re massive now. Mega massive. $3 trillion kind of big. But then you’ve got others, like Builder.ai, trying to catch that wave too, maybe, sort of faking it till they make it? Turns out, their story’s a bit of a rollercoaster.

I came across this tweet — I’d link it if I could — but the gist? This thing called Natasha was supposed to be their big AI magic trick. They promised you could pick some features and bam, your app’s ready. Actual magic, or so they said. But surprise! It wasn’t some fancy AI, it was 700 hard-working people in India cranking out code. Can you believe that? Still wrapping my head around it.

Now, Builder.ai wasn’t just some small-time player. They had real money backing them, like $445 million from Microsoft. And at one point, their worth hit $1.5 billion. Billion! That’s unicorn territory if you follow this stuff. But it’s crazy what happened next. Builder.ai talked a big game, promising quick app deliveries with minimal human touch — like two weeks max and tada! Custom apps. But, ha, nope. They set up a whole operation in India, with engineers doing the real heavy lifting, quietly behind the curtain. Natasha, the AI savior of coding, was pretty much a fantasy in a boardroom slideshow.

Here’s where it all goes sideways. And, of course, the drama kicks in. Investigations are now happening in the US and UK. The company even hit bankruptcy. Like, it just spiraled down. Fast. So okay, maybe AI isn’t just some flashy toy, but this tale sure underlines the downside of chasing trends without looking. Lesson learned? Maybe. Hopefully?

Anyway. AI is here to stay, I guess, but Builder.ai? Not so much. What a ride.