Vivek Raghavan on the Value of 'Data in Motion' for AI Startups

Sarvam AI cofounder Vivek Raghavan has underscored the significance of what he terms "data in motion"—the real-time interaction data generated by users engaging with AI systems. This type of data is increasingly seen as a crucial asset for AI startups, providing them with a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving landscape.

During his address at the TiE Delhi NCR India Innovation Day – 2026, Raghavan categorized data into three main types: data at rest, synthetic data, and data in motion. He explained that data at rest consists of information readily available online or from traditional sources, which has been widely utilized across the industry and offers little competitive advantage.

Synthetic data, on the other hand, is produced by AI models and can be generated by companies with advanced technical capabilities. This type of data is useful, particularly for specific applications, but it does not match the quality of usage data.

Understanding Data in Motion: Raghavan defines data in motion as the information created when users actively engage with AI applications. This data reflects genuine user interactions, behaviors, and workflows, making it highly valuable.

He pointed out that the primary challenge for startups is the distribution and adoption of their products. To generate data in motion, companies must first establish a market presence. Without a substantial user base, accessing this high-quality data becomes difficult.

Raghavan illustrated his point by referencing the success of AI systems like Claude, stating that its proficiency in coding stems from extensive user interaction, which produces invaluable data for its ongoing development.

Key Takeaways:

• Data in motion is critical for AI startups aiming to gain a competitive advantage.
• Real-time user interaction data is more valuable than readily available or synthetic datasets.
• Market share is essential for startups to access and leverage this type of data.

As the AI landscape continues to evolve, understanding and harnessing data in motion will be vital for startups looking to innovate and succeed.