Steering AI-Driven Innovations
Women are still on a back foot in business and more so in technology-driven businesses. Yet La Mere Business (Elixir AI) has been able to carve out a distinct niche for itself, led by its dynamic CEO, Mayurakshi Das. Her role in artificial intelligence (AI) –driven transformation earned La Mere Business a laurel as the Best Women Led Emerging Enterprise at BW Businessworld’s Emerging Businesses Awards 2023.
Das’s accomplishments as an entrepreneur include using artificial intelligence to reshape conventional business practices. She introduced AI-powered recommendation systems to drive strategic store openings, which enhanced customer engagement for a major home appliance company, for instance.
Collaborating with a municipal corporation, she pioneered a geospatial/AI-powered solution that revitalised property tax collection and brought in revenue of over Rs 100 crores. Her penchant for innovation drove Das to pollution control and waste management, which led to significant waste reduction and optimised production schedules of many businesses.
La Mere Business isn't just revolutionising business practices, it is forging unique partnerships. It is for example, the first digital partner for a municipal corporation and a home appliance manufacturer. Das’s expertise in AI-based projects for smart city management, has set new benchmarks.
Das believes that the heart of a business lies in its people. “We should avoid over-emphasising on operations. Instead, we should invest in key individuals to manage our organisation, while we maintain an outward focus,” says Das, adding, “We promote our business across various digital platforms, using their widespread accessibility, which has simplified the process of doing business.” Her commitment to staying ahead of the curve is evident in the investments that La Mere Business has made in its R&D Lab to drive continuous innovation and stay competitive.
While acknowledging the government's efforts to include MSMEs in growth pathways, Das focusses on the challenges of existing paperwork and criteria. “The government's tender process often necessitates specific criteria that may not be achievable for an MSME within a three to five- year timeframe. There is a potential for relaxation in such requirements. Emphasising innovation and, naturally, creditworthiness could significantly enhance inclusion,” says Das.
Das is more than a woman leader. She is a trailblazer, who uses AI to transform businesses and empower people. Her stint at the helm of La Mere Business speaks of innovation, inclusivity, and forward-looking leadership.
