Building AI-First Startups from the Ground Up

Visionary Voices at TechCrunch Sessions: AI

Kisson Lin, co-founder and CEO of Tanka, is set to take the stage at TechCrunch Sessions: AI to discuss the burgeoning world of AI-native startups. As companies increasingly integrate artificial intelligence into the core of their operations, Lin offers an insider’s perspective on launching ventures that are not only AI-enhanced, but fundamentally AI-driven. At Tanka, which is building AI agents for complex internal business processes, the team is pioneering what it means to operate a startup where AI is embedded from the foundation, not bolted on afterwards. Lin’s session will explore how this approach differs from traditional tech entrepreneurship and what it takes to scale an AI-native company in today’s fast-evolving landscape.

Why AI-Native Matters More Than Ever

As generative AI tools accelerate enterprise adoption, founders like Lin are doubling down on AI-native strategies. Unlike traditional startups that adopt AI incrementally, AI-native companies are built with the assumption that machines will handle a significant portion of B2B workflows. During his TechCrunch appearance, Lin will outline key lessons from founding Tanka, leadership in a new class of ventures, and how AI-native design can lead to greater automation, efficiency, and product innovation. Attendees can expect to learn how to identify problems best solved by autonomous agents and the infrastructure required to support this next evolution of software startups.