Four young guns share secrets to successful startups

Gao Boting, 28

Gao ventured into the AI industry by founding Shanghai Jobly AI in May this year.

According to the Global AI Entrepreneurship Report, the number of AI startups in China has increased by 30 percent over the past two years. In 2023, the market size of China's AI industry is expected to surpass 2.4 trillion yuan.

Born in Hubei province and raised in Guangdong province, Gao completed her bachelor's degree in psychology in Canada, followed by a master's degree in neuroscience in the UK.

"I was fascinated by how psychological theories and neuroscience could intersect with practical applications. My research on TRNS (transcranial random noise stimulation) therapy was at the cutting edge of brain science, which I believe has paved the way for my work in AI," said Gao.

Work experience gained at game and internet companies between 2020 and 2024 further enriched her understanding of user behavior and needs, shaping her approach to developing AI-driven solutions.

After it was founded, her company introduced an application called RuiJian, which simplifies the recruiting process for both jobseekers and employers. Describing the period as the "year of AI development," she aimed to revolutionize traditional recruitment methods.

"Starting a new venture in an emerging field like AI involves navigating numerous obstacles. I've had to address technical bugs, adapt to legal requirements, and continuously refine our technology," said Gao.

Despite these challenges, Gao remains committed to her vision. As a pioneer in the AI industry, she faces a lengthy trial-and-error process with few precedents to follow. However, this also means that the industry offers a larger scope for experimentation and freedom.

"Being in a burgeoning field, the competitive pressure is somewhat less intense since everyone is still in a stage of exploration and learning," said Gao.

According to a report by consultancy McKinsey&Co, "The State of AI in 2020: Tackling the Challenges and Seizing the Opportunities", the success rate for AI startups is relatively low, at only about 10 to 15 percent.

"Failure in research is part of the process, not a personal defeat. My academic background has taught me that failures in research are often due to flaws in methods or theories, not personal shortcomings," said Gao, who claims that returning to work in a company would not be a big deal.

The application will launch this month, targeting jobseekers with less than three years of work experience. In the second phase, the focus will be on developing an AI-powered recruitment platform.

"I hope to see AI become an integral part of various industries. In the long term, I want to explore how AI can enhance human capabilities and be managed responsibly as an efficient tool," said Gao.