Indian Startups Leverage AI for Enterprise Solutions
India's major startups are integrating artificial intelligence into their core businesses and launching new AI-focused ventures. Companies like CARS24 and Eternal are developing AI-based enterprise services.
Several of India's largest startups are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their core businesses and even spinning off new ventures centered on AI. Consumer-facing platforms, including Eternal and CARS24, are transforming internal operational tools into standalone enterprise solutions powered by AI technology, aiming to unlock new revenue streams from corporate clients.
Eternal's AI initiative, Nugget, began as an internal solution for Zomato. It now offers conversational AI, voice assistants, and workflow automation to external enterprises. Without spending on advertising, the venture has secured clients across private banking, insurance, and direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. Nugget reported revenue of ₹7.2 crore in FY26 and is valued at ₹350 crore, operating at positive cash flow.
Auto technology giant CARS24 is pursuing a different approach with Deployment Inc, an AI platform designed to help enterprises manage AI systems. Instead of offering tools, Deployment Inc deploys forward-deployed engineers (FDEs) to client companies to connect AI models with internal data, redesign workflows, and measure outcomes. The platform intends to hire 50 FDEs initially.
The race for enterprise AI solutions is intensifying. Fintech major Paytm plans to offer its in-house AI capabilities to external merchants and businesses, while Razorpay is developing an "agentic commerce studio." A common strategy among these players is to leverage the valuable workflow data, distribution networks, and operational experience of consumer platforms to create offerings for enterprise clients, differentiating them from early-stage AI startups.
However, these consumer tech giants face significant challenges. They must navigate the complex enterprise software market, characterized by long sales cycles, intricate integrations, data governance requirements, and extensive product support. Success will depend on demonstrating measurable returns, building trust beyond their parent brands, and competing effectively with specialized AI startups.