7 AI Startups by Ex‑Big‑Tech Leaders in 2025, Moves to Watch in 2026
We’re looking at seven AI startups that popped up in 2025, all founded by people who quit senior gigs at the biggest tech companies. “A handful of well-known execs have left their posts to chase their own ideas, and these are the moves you’ll likely want to keep an eye on in 2026,” the opening line says. One of the founders is Naveen Rao, who used to be VP of AI at Databricks; his new company appears to be “an entrepreneurial endeavour … familiar to Naveen Rao.” The piece doesn’t just list the firms - it points out a few trends that might steer the industry over the next year.
The list is short, but the message is clear: perhaps watch these founder-led projects as they move from early hype to actual impact. You’ll get a quick rundown of who’s stepping off the corporate ladder, what they’re building, and why the coming twelve months could matter for each.
Several big names have stepped away from their roles to chase their entrepreneurial dreams, and here are some of the most significant moves you need to know about and also watch out for in 2026. Naveen Rao: Former VP of AI at Databricks An entrepreneurial endeavour is familiar to Naveen Rao, who joined Databricks in 2023 after his startup MosaicML was acquired by the company for $1.3 billion. Before that, he founded Nervana, which was acquired by another giant of a company, Intel, for a reported $400 million in 2016.
Last month, he announced his departure from Databricks to launch his startup, called Unconventional AI. The startup will address some of the challenges related to computing for AI workloads. Recently, reports stated that the startup is in talks to raise a billion dollars at $5 billion valuation, led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z).
Besides, Databricks itself is an early investor in the startup, with CEO Ali Ghodsi saying, “If anyone can pull this off, it’s Naveen.” Rao will continue advising Databricks while leading the new venture.
Seven AI ventures have popped up, most of them pulling talent straight out of the corporate world into their own labs. The piece calls out Naveen Rao, who used to be Databricks’ VP of AI, and six other founders who left big-tech. Beyond the names, there’s hardly any hard data on what these companies are actually building or how far along they are in the market.
2025 kept showing seasoned execs chasing fresh challenges, but whether their know-how will turn into lasting businesses is still up in the air. I think we’ll probably be watching these startups through 2026; the real proof will come when they move past the buzz and start delivering numbers you can check. Some might carve out a tiny niche, while others could hit a wall when the competition heats up.
So, the moves are interesting, yet the true effect on the AI sector remains an open question until we see results on the ground.
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Common Questions Answered
Which former Databricks executive launched an AI startup in 2025 according to the article?
Naveen Rao, the former VP of AI at Databricks, launched an AI startup in 2025. This represents one of the seven significant entrepreneurial moves by ex-big-tech leaders profiled in the article.
What previous entrepreneurial experience does Naveen Rao have before his 2025 venture?
Naveen Rao previously founded MosaicML, which was acquired by Databricks for $1.3 billion in 2023. Before that, he also founded Nervana, which was acquired by another major tech company, demonstrating his track record in successful AI startups.
How many AI startups by ex-big-tech leaders are highlighted for 2025 in this article?
The article profiles seven AI startups launched in 2025 by people who left senior roles at major tech firms. These ventures represent significant moves by experienced executives transitioning from corporate positions to entrepreneurial endeavors.
What does the article suggest about the pattern of talent movement in 2025?
The article indicates that 2025 continued a pattern of seasoned executives leaving big tech companies to pursue fresh challenges through entrepreneurship. This talent churn from corporate ranks into independent AI labs represents an ongoing trend in the industry.