Motive Doubles Headcount in India to Fuel AI Innovations
Artificial intelligence-powered fleet management startup, Motive, has announced ambitious plans to enhance its workforce in India. With a focus on bolstering its product, engineering, and research & development (R&D) teams, the company is set to more than double its headcount over the next two years.
Expansion Plans and Hiring Initiatives
Co-founder and CEO Shoaib Makani revealed to ET that Motive aims to hire over 300 engineers and designers, which will include senior leadership roles at its Bengaluru development center. This significant hiring spree reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening its position in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Company Valuation and Client Base
During its last funding round in 2022, San Francisco-based Motive was valued at nearly $2.85 billion. The company specializes in deploying technology that aids firms in optimizing their physical operations through AI-driven tools.
Backed by investors including Google Ventures, Index Ventures, and Greenoaks Capital, Motive serves a diverse clientele of over 1,500 customers. Notable names among its clients include FedEx Freight, Halliburton, and Kone, alongside partnerships with various government entities for fleet management solutions.
Strengthening the Team and Global Reach
Makani noted, “In India, we have had a full-stack team since 2020, which has been critical in addressing end-to-end customer problems across our platform. We are committed to serving a global audience from India and anticipate significant growth in this market.”
Geographical Expansion Beyond India
While predominantly operating in the North American market, Motive plans to expand into Europe by the end of this year. This geographical expansion ties directly to the company’s increasing global footprint and burgeoning business activity.
Focus on Innovation and Development
Makani emphasized the demand for more engineers across various domains: hardware, software, and AI research. “We have more products coming, and we are entering new markets, which necessitates a larger engineering team,” he stated.
Engagement with Academic Institutions
Motive is also in pursuit of top talent for key leadership roles in its R&D department. The company has established partnerships with premier institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to attract talent through internship programs.
AI and Its Impact on Jobs
Discussing the evolving landscape of AI and employment, Makani asserts that technology should be leveraged to enhance capabilities rather than replace them. “AI will not replace engineers. Instead, engineers who utilize AI will outperform those who do not. We encourage our team to engage in upskilling and experimentation, as the focus should be on amplification rather than replacement,” he stated.
Following Talent to India: Industry Trends
Motive is joining the ranks of other tech giants expanding their operations in India to tap into the rich reservoir of talent. Meta Platforms and Microsoft are also making significant investments in the region to cultivate their AI talent pool.
Global Initiatives from Other AI Companies
In addition, AI unicorn Abbyy Software recently inaugurated its new R&D center in India, with numerous job openings. Last July, the US-based enterprise AI assistant platform Glean Technologies launched its first office in India, with a planned investment of $50 million (around Rs 400 crore) over the next two years.
Conclusion
As Motive scales its operations on a global scale, the company’s focus on expanding its Indian workforce underlines a broader trend of tech corporations looking to leverage India’s vast talent pool. With ambitious hiring plans and engagements with academic institutions, Motive is poised to drive innovation in AI-powered fleet management, ensuring its competitiveness in the marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Motive’s primary focus in India?
Motive aims to strengthen its product, engineering, and R&D teams by hiring over 300 engineers and designers over the next two years. - What was Motive’s valuation during its last funding round?
The company was valued at nearly $2.85 billion in 2022. - What notable companies are part of Motive’s client base?
Some of the notable clients include FedEx Freight, Halliburton, and Kone. - How does Motive view the impact of AI on jobs?
Motive believes AI should amplify engineers’ capabilities rather than replace them, encouraging team engagement and upskilling. - What other tech companies are expanding in India?
Companies like Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Abbyy Software are also increasing their investments and operations in India to access AI talent.
