Indian-origin engineer Apurva Shrivastava turns ‘missed call’ idea into $1 billion AI startup

In Silicon Valley’s high-stakes race to build the next wave of artificial intelligence, engineer Apurva Shrivastava — of Indian origin — and co-founder Tyson Chen turned a simple “missed call” idea into an AI startup valued at $1 billion. Their story unfolds against a backdrop where billions are being funneled into chatbots and generative art.

Rather than chase the same themes, the founders developed their concept around the familiar cue of a missed call and built it into a fast-growing enterprise. The profile highlights Shrivastava’s background and partnership with Chen, framing the company’s rise as part of the broader surge of AI-driven ventures in the United States.

It underscores how unconventional starting points continue to find traction in Silicon Valley’s intensely competitive market.