The formation of Tenfali, an AI startup co-founded by Shalini Aggarwal and Andy Ratsirason, marks a significant step in their entrepreneurial journeys after leaving Amazon. Both founders recognized the necessity of adapting their mindsets and practices when transitioning from large corporate environments to the dynamic startup landscape.
Aggarwal, who relocated to the U.S. in 2015, and Ratsirason, who returned to Amazon multiple times before ultimately resigning in February 2023, leveraged their experiences at the tech giant to inform their new venture. Aggarwal worked on AI projects, specifically in music recommendations, during her final months at Amazon, while Ratsirason aimed to break away from the comfort of a stable paycheck.
Their collaboration began when Ratsirason noticed Aggarwal engaging with startup content on LinkedIn after her own departure from Amazon. They aimed to develop an AI companion tailored for older adults, inspired by personal challenges and the ongoing AI boom. As Aggarwal approached her 50th birthday, she felt compelled to take the plunge into entrepreneurship.