In the fast-evolving world of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a buzzword, especially for startups aiming to make a mark. From automating tasks to generating code, AI tools like GitHub’s Copilot are transforming how software is built. But Thomas Dohmke, the CEO of GitHub, has a clear message for Indian startups: while AI coding tools can give you a head start, they’re not enough to create a successful business. Speaking at events like VivaTech in Paris and Station F, Dohmke emphasized that human developers are the real backbone of startups that scale and attract big investors. For India’s booming startup ecosystem, this advice is a wake-up call to balance AI’s power with human expertise.
AI: A Great Start, But Not the Whole Story
India is home to over 17 million developers, making it the fastest-growing developer community globally, according to GitHub’s 2024 Octoverse report. With AI tools like Copilot, even non-technical founders can now turn ideas into working apps using simple, natural language prompts—a process Dohmke calls “vibe coding.” This has opened doors for small teams, sometimes even a single person, to launch startups with minimal resources. For instance, a founder in Bengaluru can use Copilot to create a basic app in days, something that once took weeks or months.
But here’s the catch: Dohmke warns that startups built only on AI-generated code often lack the depth needed to grow. “A startup built with coding assistants doesn’t have much value,” he said at VivaTech. Investors, he explained, want to see complex systems that only skilled developers can create. In India, where startups like Zomato, Swiggy, and Ola have scaled to global levels, this rings true. These companies didn’t just rely on quick fixes; they invested in talented engineers to build robust, unique systems that stand out in crowded markets.
Why Human Coders Are Still King
Imagine you’re pitching to a venture capitalist in Mumbai or Delhi. You show them a sleek app built with AI tools, but when they ask, “What makes your startup special?” you struggle to explain the tech behind it. Dohmke points out that investors ask tough questions: “Why should I fund you instead of the 10 other startups doing the same thing?” Without developers who understand the nuts and bolts of your product, your startup might look like a shiny toy with no engine inside.
Human developers bring creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to customize code for specific needs. For example, an Indian startup building a healthcare app might use AI to draft initial code, but only a skilled coder can ensure it handles sensitive patient data securely or integrates with local systems like Aadhaar or Ayushman Bharat. Dohmke highlights that AI tools are like assistants—they can write repetitive code or suggest fixes, but they need human oversight to ensure security, efficiency, and innovation.
India’s Startup Boom and the AI Edge
India’s startup scene is on fire, with over 100,000 startups and 110 unicorns (companies valued at $1 billion or more) as of 2025. GitHub’s data shows Indian developers contributed to 5.2 billion projects and created 108 million new repositories in 2024 alone. What’s more, India ranks second globally in contributions to generative AI projects, showing that developers here are not just using AI but building AI tools themselves. Dohmke believes this trend could make India the birthplace of the next big AI multinational.
AI tools like Copilot, now free for Visual Studio Code users, are leveling the playing field. They support coding in Indian languages like Hindi and Kannada, making tech accessible to non-English speakers. For a startup in Tier-2 cities like Jaipur or Coimbatore, this means local talent can build apps without language barriers. But Dohmke stresses that to go from a small startup to a global player, founders need teams that can dive deep into code, fix bugs, and create systems that competitors can’t easily copy.
The Builder.ai Lesson: A Cautionary Tale
The collapse of Builder.ai, a London-based startup once valued at $1.5 billion, serves as a stark warning. The company claimed to use AI to build apps in minutes, but reports revealed it relied heavily on human engineers in India—about 700 of them—posing as AI. When this truth came out, Builder.ai faced bankruptcy, owing millions to creditors like Amazon and Microsoft. This scandal underscores Dohmke’s point: claiming AI does all the work might attract attention, but without real technical expertise, startups risk falling apart.
In contrast, Indian startups like Postman or Freshworks succeeded because they combined smart use of tools with talented engineering teams. These companies used platforms like GitHub to collaborate, innovate, and scale, proving that human ingenuity is the key to long-term success.
Tips for Indian Startups: Balancing AI and Talent
So, how can Indian startups use AI effectively while building a strong foundation? Dohmke’s insights, combined with India’s unique tech landscape, offer a roadmap:
- Use AI as a Booster, Not a Crutch: Tools like GitHub Copilot can speed up coding and help non-technical founders prototype ideas. But don’t stop there—hire developers to refine and scale your product.
- Invest in Skilled Developers: India produces millions of tech graduates yearly, but Dohmke notes that skills like problem-solving and system design are critical. Train your team to go beyond AI-generated code.
- Focus on What Makes You Unique: Investors love startups with a “moat”—something competitors can’t replicate. Build complex, secure systems that showcase your team’s expertise.
- Leverage India’s Developer Community: With 17 million developers on GitHub, India has a massive talent pool. Collaborate on open-source projects or join initiatives like GitHub’s Campus Experts to connect with skilled coders.
- Embrace Continuous Learning: Dohmke advises developers to “keep learning” to stay ahead. For startups, this means staying updated on AI advancements and industry trends to remain competitive.
The Future: India as a Tech Powerhouse
Dohmke is bullish on India’s potential, predicting it will surpass the US as the largest developer hub by 2028. He credits India’s startup-friendly policies, like the National Education Policy of 2020, which mandates coding in schools, and government support for digital infrastructure. At events like the Microsoft AI Tour in Bengaluru, he showcased how tools like Copilot Workspace allow developers to code in local languages, making India a leader in inclusive tech.
For Indian startups, the message is clear: AI coding tools are a game-changer, but they’re only part of the puzzle. To build a winning startup—whether it’s the next unicorn in fintech, healthcare, or e-commerce—you need a team of talented developers who can turn ideas into robust, scalable products. As Dohmke puts it, “India’s rise as a global tech titan is inexorable,” and with the right mix of AI and human brilliance, Indian startups are poised to lead the world.
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