Editorial illustration for Ex-Big Tech Leaders Launch 7 AI Startups, Signaling Pivotal Shifts in 2025-2026
Big Tech Execs Launch 7 AI Startups Reshaping Tech Landscape
7 AI Startups by Ex-Big-Tech Leaders in 2025, Moves to Watch in 2026
The AI startup ecosystem is about to get a serious shake-up. A wave of former Big Tech executives are betting big on their own ventures, with seven new companies poised to emerge in 2025 and 2026.
These aren't just any entrepreneurs. We're talking about seasoned tech veterans who've seen the inner workings of Silicon Valley's most influential companies and now want to chart their own course. Their collective departure signals something more profound than typical career moves.
The startup landscape suggests a growing restlessness among top AI talent. Professionals who once helped build notable technologies at major firms are now ready to transform their insider knowledge into independent ideas.
One such leader standing at this entrepreneurial crossroads is Naveen Rao, whose background hints at the caliber of talent making these bold shifts. His story offers a glimpse into a broader trend of experienced technologists reimagining the future of artificial intelligence - not from within corporate structures, but through their own visionary lenses.
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.
The AI startup landscape is heating up with former Big Tech leaders betting big on their own ventures. Naveen Rao's track record suggests these entrepreneurs aren't just chasing trends, but building substantive technologies.
His previous exits - selling Nervana to Intel and MosaicML to Databricks for $1.3 billion - demonstrate a pattern of creating valuable AI infrastructure. These aren't random gambles, but calculated moves by experienced technologists.
The 2025-2026 period seems poised for significant entrepreneurial activity in artificial intelligence. With veterans like Rao stepping away from corporate roles, we're likely seeing a new wave of idea driven by founders who understand both technical complexity and market dynamics.
While details remain sparse, the trend of Big Tech leaders launching startups isn't new. But the scale and potential of these seven AI ventures could reshape how we think about technological development.
The real story isn't just about individual startups. It's about experienced technologists betting their careers on what they believe are major AI possibilities. We'll be watching closely.
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Common Questions Answered
How many AI startups are expected to launch by former Big Tech leaders in 2025-2026?
Seven new AI startups are anticipated to emerge from former Big Tech executives during the 2025-2026 period. These ventures represent a significant shift in the AI startup ecosystem, with experienced tech veterans launching their own entrepreneurial efforts.
What is Naveen Rao's track record in AI entrepreneurship?
Naveen Rao has a proven history of successful AI startups, including founding Nervana (which was acquired by Intel) and MosaicML (acquired by Databricks for $1.3 billion). His entrepreneurial journey demonstrates a pattern of creating valuable AI infrastructure and successfully exiting companies.
Why are these Big Tech leaders leaving their current roles to start AI companies?
The departures signal more than typical career moves, suggesting these experienced tech veterans see significant opportunities in creating their own AI ventures. Their collective exodus indicates a belief that they can innovate and build substantive technologies outside of large corporate environments.