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From Apple Inc. to Entrepreneurship: How Akshat Prakash Built an AI Startup with His Father

Early Life and Global Exposure

Born near New Delhi into a family that valued education, Akshat Prakash’s journey was shaped by constant movement and exposure to different cultures. From India to Ireland and back again, his early years helped him develop adaptability, something that later became crucial in his entrepreneurial path. In 2016, he moved to the United States to pursue higher education, setting the foundation for a career in technology.

Building a Strong Tech Foundation

At Carnegie Mellon University, Akshat majored in computer science while exploring emerging fields like AI and IoT. His internships at companies like Intuit and Microsoft gave him real-world exposure and financial independence. These experiences not only sharpened his technical skills but also opened his eyes to the lucrative potential of the tech industry.

The Dream Job at Apple

After graduating in 2019, Akshat landed his dream role at Apple Inc., working on the Siri team. He contributed to advanced systems, including early versions of conversational AI. While the role was prestigious and fulfilling, he felt a growing desire to create something of his own rather than remain a small part of a massive system.

The Spark Behind the Startup Idea

A simple yet powerful experience at a Starbucks in Pittsburgh changed his perspective. Despite speaking English fluently, he struggled to understand accents and communication styles. This moment highlighted a universal problem, language barriers persist even within the same language. It became the seed for his future venture in AI-driven translation.

Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship

In 2022, Akshat made a bold decision: he left Apple to build a startup. Facing skepticism from investors due to his young age, he brought in his father as cofounder and CEO. Together, they launched Camb.ai in 2023, combining experience with innovation. Initially operating without salaries, they prioritized building a strong team and product.

Scaling Camb.ai in a Competitive Market

The startup quickly gained traction after securing funding and focusing on real-time speech translation. Their breakthrough came with projects like dubbing sports interviews, including the Australian Open, which brought global recognition. By targeting enterprise clients, Camb.ai positioned itself at the forefront of AI-powered media solutions.

A Unique Father-Son Partnership

Unlike traditional business legacies, Akshat and his father built their company together from scratch. Their complementary roles, visionary CTO and strategic CEO, created a strong leadership dynamic. Despite challenges, their partnership proved that trust and shared vision can outweigh conventional norms.

Conclusion: Choosing Purpose Over Comfort

Akshat’s journey reflects the courage to leave stability for purpose. Walking away from a dream job at Apple wasn’t easy, but it allowed him to build something meaningful. Today, Camb.ai stands as a testament to innovation, resilience, and the power of family collaboration.

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For more details, plz refer this: https://www.businessinsider.com/quit-dream-job-apple-launch-ai-startup-dad-no-regrets-2026-

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