Sangeeta Bavi on how AI is transforming the startup ecosystem

At Atomicwork, we're always discussing AI. Comes with what we are trying to do. And especially in the context of Microsoft. So when we had the chance to bring Sangeeta Bavi onto Atomic Conversations, we jumped at it. Sangeeta is the Executive Director of the Digital Natives Program at Microsoft, and in this episode, she shared her incredible journey, from being a software developer to leading a global program that supports startups. And of course, we talked about AI and how Microsoft is thinking about it.

Hosted by our CEO, Vijay Rayapati, the conversation has a lot of insights into how AI is reshaping the startup ecosystem and how startups like Atomicwork are embracing this transformation.

You can listen to the entire conversation here.

Sangeeta’s Journey: From engineering to leadership

Starting as a software developer, Sangeeta transitioned into product management and then moved into leadership roles, eventually finding herself at the helm of Microsoft’s Digital Natives Program.

Today, she works closely with the startup ecosystem, helping them leverage Microsoft’s technology and network to scale and grow.

One of the program’s key components is the Microsoft Founders Hub, which connects startups with cutting-edge technology, venture capital networks, and a global sales force. At Atomicwork, we’ve been fortunate to benefit from this partnership, especially during challenging moments like the Silicon Valley Bank crisis in 2023. Microsoft's partnership with Brex and Mercury was a lifeline for us when we needed to secure new banking partners quickly, ensuring that we continued to move forward without missing a beat.

The AI revolution: Unlocking new possibilities

A major theme of the discussion was the role AI is playing in the modern business world.

Sangeeta highlighted how AI is not just another tech innovation but a foundational change, driving unprecedented business growth. She pointed out three critical ways AI is shaping industries today:

1. AI as a growth driver – AI is more than just a tool for efficiency; it’s creating new business models and directly contributing to revenue. For companies like Atomicwork, it’s redefining what’s possible.

2. Democratization of technology – One of the most exciting shifts is how AI is leveling the playing field. Someone doesn't need to be a coder to leverage its power. This democratization is allowing even small startups to innovate faster and more efficiently.

3. Productivity enhancement – AI is serving as a co-pilot for professionals across industries. From lawyers to engineers, people are finding that AI can take on repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more complex challenges. As Sangeeta said, “We’ve only just scratched the surface.”

Building an AI-first company

At Atomicwork, we’ve taken a proactive approach to embedding AI into every aspect of our business.

From this perspective, Vijay spoke about Atomicwork has integrated AI tools from the ground up, using GitHub Copilot to supercharge developers, leveraging AI for content creation, and even using AI to draft product specifications. The goal was simple: make AI a core part of how we operate—not just in Atomicwork’s product, but across every function.

Sangeeta applauded this approach, especially the concept of implementing AI “from the boardroom to the keyboard.” According to her, it is not enough to adopt AI at one level; it needs to be integrated end-to-end to realize its full potential. This has been a key driver of productivity gains for us at Atomicwork, helping us move faster and smarter.

Advice for AI-First startups

One of the most valuable parts of the conversation was Sangeeta’s advice to startups looking to adopt AI.

She laid out three crucial areas to focus on:

1. Cost management – AI can be expensive, but costs are dropping rapidly. Don’t let the current price tag deter you from adopting AI, because the long-term benefits will far outweigh the initial investment.

2. Business alignment – AI should be part of a startup’s overall business strategy, not just a shiny new tool. Whether it’s improving customer experiences or streamlining operations, AI should be aligned with the company’s core goals.

3. Culture and talent – As AI continues to evolve, it’s essential for companies to upskill their teams. Ethical AI and responsible deployment are not just buzzwords—they’re essential for building a sustainable AI-driven business.

The future of AI: What lies ahead

Sangeeta’s closing thoughts were on the future of AI. She underlined how Microsoft is deeply committed to responsible AI development, from its partnership with OpenAI to building a robust ecosystem of models, tools, and infrastructure that companies can rely on. Both Sangeeta and Vijay spoke about how the potential of AI is vast, and how businesses must strike the right balance between innovation and ethics.

The final idea: AI should be transformative, but always used responsibly to ensure long-term success.

Conclusion: AI as a catalyst for growth

The episode with Sangeeta Bavi left us all with a renewed sense of excitement about the future of AI.

At Atomicwork, we’ve always believed in the power of AI to solve real-world problems, and this conversation reinforced our commitment to building an AI-first company. Microsoft’s Digital Natives Program has been an invaluable partner in this journey, helping us harness the full potential of AI to grow and innovate.

As Vijay said in the episode, the future belongs to those who are willing to embrace AI—not just as a tool but as a strategy for building new-age companies. With the right approach, AI can be a game-changer for startups, enabling them to move faster, scale quicker, and solve bigger problems than ever before.