Accel Tells Indian Startups: Build With AI, Don't Compete

Accel partner Prayank Swaroop said Indian startups should build apps and business software on top of existing AI models from companies like OpenAI or Anthropic, rather than trying to create rival AI. The guidance focuses Accel's $550 million India fund on apps, which cost less to build but leave founders dependent on outside AI providers they cannot control.