Renowned AI research organisation OpenAI and creator of the popular chatbot ChatGPT, has acquired Rockset, a data analytics company co-founded by Guwahati-born computer scientist Dhruba Borthakur.
Rockset, a US-based startup co-founded by Assam-born Dhruba Borthakur, is valued at a few hundred million dollars.
Rockset, known for its expertise in developing real-time search and analytics databases, was acquired for an undisclosed sum.
The company's cutting-edge technology is poised to enhance OpenAI's offerings, particularly in providing real-time data analysis and insights to users of ChatGPT.
Dhruba Borthakur, who co-founded Rockset, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition.
"I am excited as our software, which has been used so far by a smaller number of people, will now be utilised by millions through OpenAI," he said.
The acquisition marks OpenAI’s first venture into acquiring a tech company, signifying a strategic move aimed at significantly enhancing its capabilities by integrating real-time data analysis into ChatGPT’s services.
The integration is expected to provide ChatGPT users with advanced real-time analysis and insights.
Borthakur provided a practical example of the software's potential stating, “If a farmer in Assam asked ChatGPT what to sow, they would only need to provide their location. The software would then analyse every possible data point, from weather forecasts to soil conditions to seed availability, and suggest a remedy in seconds.”
The acquisition is set to propel OpenAI’s mission to advance digital intelligence, allowing Rockset’s innovative technology to reach a global audience. This represents a significant milestone in the world of artificial intelligence.
“You can imagine the future use of it in every sphere. Artificial intelligence is a disruptive technology, and I foresee machines taking over many normal aspects of our lives,” Borthakur added.
Rockset, known for its real-time search and analytics databases, leverages artificial intelligence for applications such as chatbots and anomaly detection.
The company has attracted significant investment from prominent venture capital firms, including Greylock, Sequoia, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s venture arm, accumulating a total funding of $105 million as of last year.
Borthakur further mentioned that his team of around 100 employees would be joining OpenAI starting Monday.
Reflecting on the company’s journey, Borthakur recalled how he and his friend Venkat Venkataramani left Facebook in 2016 to establish Rockset.
“From two, we have grown to 100 people, and now millions will use our work,” he said.
Borthakur’s journey began in Guwahati, where he attended Don Bosco School and Cotton College before earning a Computer Science degree from BITS Pilani.
Borthakur, son of Dr. Arun Borthakur, a professor in the Department of Mathematics at Gauhati University, has an illustrious career marked by significant contributions to the tech industry.
He initially worked at D-DOT in New Delhi for two years before moving to the US for his master’s degree. His career includes significant contributions to various tech companies and projects.
Holding 69 patents, Dhruba was an engineer on Facebook's database team, where he was pivotal in developing the RocksDB data store. His tenure at Yahoo saw him play a crucial role in creating the Hadoop Distributed File System and significantly contributing to the Apache HBase project.
Dhruba's professional journey also includes roles at Veritas Software, founding the e-commerce startup Oreceipt.com, and contributing to IBM-Transarc Labs' Andrew File System (AFS).
Currently residing in California with his wife, a school teacher, and their two daughters, Borthakur's journey from Guwahati to the cutting edge of AI technology exemplifies the global reach of Indian talent in the tech industry.
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