Building the Future of Enterprise AI: From Harvard PhD to YC Founder w/ Gokhan Egri
Summary In this episode of Masters of Automation, host Alp Uguray interviews Gokhan Egri, a successful entrepreneur who transitioned from academia to the startup world. Gokhan shares his journey from Turkey to Harvard, his experiences in Y Combinator, and the evolution of his companies, O'Leo and Brainbase. The conversation delves into the challenges of being a solo founder, the importance of customer feedback, and the future of AI and automation in the workplace. Gokhan emphasizes the need for transparency in automation processes and discusses the unique insights that drive his approach to enterprise AI. The episode concludes with reflections on the immigrant founder experience and the personal inspirations that fuel Gokhan's entrepreneurial spirit. Key Takeaways Gokhan transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship after realizing the potential of AI. His first startup, O'Leo, was born out of a need for automation in education. Brainbase evolved from O'Leo, focusing on enterprise AI solutions. Customer feedback is crucial for shaping product development and messaging. The concept of the 'digital worker' is central to Brainbase's mission. ROI in automation can be measured through clear metrics and pilot programs. The 'black box test' helps identify automation opportunities within organizations. AI can significantly improve the efficiency of enterprise operations. Transparency in automation processes is essential for enterprise adoption. Immigrant founders often possess unique grit and adaptability that contribute to their success.