VeUP Founder Series: Sanjay Rakshit and Geoffrey Baker, InteliGems Labs
WRITTEN BY
Prepared by Element Communications for VeUP
PUBLISHED
05 Nov 2024
READ TIME
4 Mins
Can you share the story behind InteliGems Labs?
Geoffrey: Inteligems Labs started through my investment from a family office. With a background in healthcare and entrepreneurship, I saw an opportunity to create something unique and took on the role of operating partner and Co-founder. Initially, our focus was on the healthcare space, but as we explored product-market fit, we soon realized there was a broader need for machine learning-driven solutions. We started experimenting with tools like Otter.ai for transcription, but realized that what was missing was the ability to go beyond just capturing and categorizing information.
That sparked the idea of creating a platform that could quickly synthesize meeting outcomes and extract actionable insights, identifying things like buyer intent. This was the foundation of Inteligems, which soon pivoted from healthcare to a machine learning-driven model aimed at offering private, domain-specific generative AI. We were among the first to market with this concept, even before big names like Gemini. Building a precise ‘rag model’ took significant effort, but we addressed critical data security concerns that public models such as ChatGPT couldn't. Today, Inteligems offers affordable, customizable AI solutions, particularly geared toward industries like ESG, legal, and healthcare.
What is your company’s mission, and how do you ensure that it remains critical to everything you do?
Sanjay: Our mission at Inteligems Labs is to democratize AI by helping businesses unlock the hidden value in their data. We focus on making generative AI accessible and practical, allowing companies to gain meaningful insights and stay competitive. From our early work with speech AI to now handling multimodal data - text, video, and images - we’ve always aimed to empower businesses to harness their data and make strategic decisions.
We're not just about AI as a buzzword; we see AI as a Swiss Army knife, a tool that can be applied in many ways to help solve real-world problems, and help businesses extract critical insights from their data, enabling them to move ahead and derive real value from AI in their everyday operations.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early stages of Inteligems Labs, and how did you overcome them?
Sanjay: In the early stages, our biggest challenge was getting noticed in the market. We were the first to innovate with products like Versational and Odyssey, integrating AI in ways no one else had. For example, we were the first to offer something useful with Microsoft Teams, and even Microsoft acknowledged the uniqueness of our approach. Despite this, it was difficult to gain the recognition we deserved, as the loudest voices often get noticed first, regardless of value.
Our challenge wasn't competing on functionality - we were ahead in product development - but building brand presence and creating awareness. Without the marketing resources to amplify our message, it was tough to make the impact we knew we could. We needed someone who could navigate the complexities of AI marketing, including shifts in SEO, digital platforms, and developer communities.
Why did you engage VeUP and what role has VeUP played in your growth journey to date?
Sanjay: We primarily engaged VeUP for their go-to-market (GTM) expertise and their ability to help us navigate various sales channels. As a smaller company from an Amazon accelerator program, we needed GTM support to build visibility, drive sales, and make key introductions. VeUP has been instrumental in helping us break into these channels, which has been crucial for getting our products, like Versational and Odyssey, in front of the right audiences. The synergy we've developed with VeUP has been a perfect fit. In the short time we've been working together, they've quickly transformed how we collaborate, which has been a great benefit. A key part of this partnership is that VeUP uses our product themselves, allowing them to fully understand it and recommend it with confidence.
VeUP also brings together different aspects of their business - whether it’s their venture arm or recruitment - which creates a more comprehensive relationship that supports us in multiple ways. We began working with VeUP earlier this year, after a transition from AWS, and we're confident that this partnership will continue to strengthen. Having a solid account manager and ongoing communication have been crucial to our success so far.
What is your one piece of advice for other founders looking to grow their business?
Geoffrey: Growing up overseas shaped my approach to leadership, making me deeply value diversity - whether it’s background, gender, or sexual orientation. Diversity helps avoid blind spots, and you need the humility to acknowledge them when they arise. When building a strong company culture, tolerance and diversity of opinion are key. If someone doesn’t fit that culture, it’s important to act quickly, because in a small organization, unresolved issues can spread quickly and damage the company from within.
In addition, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned at Inteligems Labs is the value of a great co-founder. As co-founders, it’s important to challenge each other’s thinking and question decisions. But you also need the thick skin and humility to accept feedback and course-correct when needed. That balance and trust are essential for long-term success.
What’s your next business goal that you aim to achieve in the next 12 months? What does the broader future look like for yourself and Inteligems Labs?
Geoffrey: Our main goal is securing five to ten marquee accounts in our key sectors, which will be crucial for our path toward Series A. Proving our execution and gaining credibility with these high-value customers will set us on a strong path forward. As a shareholder, my focus is on steering the company in the right direction and ensuring the success of the business, while also creating a positive impact for our team.
Beyond business success, I’m passionate about using our technology for societal change. There’s a huge opportunity to help communities cut through bureaucracy and access essential services, especially in areas like environmental sustainability and social services. The commercial success of Inteligems Labs will allow us to spread knowledge and wealth through AI, driving meaningful innovation in both the public and private sectors.
Give three words to describe your experience as a founder to date.
Sanjay: Exciting, learning, and rewarding.
Geoffrey: Daunting, frenetic, and exhilarating.
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