VISS.AI is a platform that blurs the boundaries between human and machine by enabling interaction with software through simple, everyday commands. Instead of manually handling tedious and time-consuming tasks like sorting emails and invoices, VISS.AI allows the user to create automated processes – or ‘workflows’ – using natural language. This means that users can instruct their applications to perform complex tasks without any prior technical knowledge.

– Anyone – worldwide – should be able to do this. You shouldn’t need to understand AI or be a tech geek. With our tool, anyone spending a lot of time on repetitive tasks can automate their work without needing technical expertise or expensive consultants. The accessibility combined with a user-friendly interface paves the way to both simplify advanced tasks – and to spend time on more value-adding activities.

The concept for VISS.AI was born out of a desire to eliminate the dull payroll runs on a Saturday night in the office. With the vision of an AI that handles all tasks, from payroll to business communication, the journey began.

Breakthrough in Technology and its Applications

– We recognized early on that language models and generative AI would be a big deal. We began developing our product even though we knew the model itself was too weak for it to work – the technology wasn’t mature. Then GPT-3 was released and revolutionized the world. We applied it to our program, and suddenly it worked.

Six months later, David and Philip had a prototype and began formally building their company. Through their self-developed multi-agent framework, where each AI agent has its specialization, the platform can handle and automate a variety of tasks through collaboration, like a digital society of experts.

– Developing the software, however, has been a long journey. We have started from scratch several times – now we’re on the seventh version. That’s what happens when you work in a completely new area where there are no guidelines or information to google. We have built the entire product based on guesses and constantly discovered better ways to do the work. And – the solution we have built now is shockingly impressive!

“Don’t want to be labeled as youths.”

David and Philip, both born in 1999 and raised in Jönköping, describe themselves as extreme tech enthusiasts who “grew up with a laptop in hand.”

– Even before our teenage years, we started programming – everything! Games, websites, and a thousand hobby projects. School provided structure and methods, but we have devoted all our free time to what we love – programming – and that’s how we learned.”

Therefore, it might not be so surprising that despite their young age, they have started and run several companies. David and Philip are proof that dedication and hard work can break through preconceived notions and lead to significant advancements in the technology industry.

Mentors contribute experience

The team at VISS.AI currently consists of eleven individuals from various backgrounds and parts of the world. And recruiting has been easy – despite David and Philip’s claim to have extremely high standards.

– You really have to be passionate about this. It’s high pressure and a lot of responsibility – it’s not suitable for everyone, but you have to thrive in this culture. But the people in the team are also the most important thing we have. Currently, it’s working well precisely because we’re a small and young team without other responsibilities, but we also want to build a culture that can adapt as people’s circumstances change with life. Of course, it will be a challenge.

Beyond code and algorithms, David and Philip emphasize the importance of an environment where each team member receives the right support and knowledge, regardless of background or experience.

David and Philip’s journey has not been without setbacks. They have encountered many challenges and have been forced to start over several times. But it is precisely these mistakes and lessons that have given them insights and the drive to constantly improve and refine their product. A humble and open attitude towards learning has been crucial to their progress. However, it’s no secret that the job consumes many hours of the day.

– At the moment, there is no downside to not having a boundary between work and personal life. We work 100-hour weeks, but we don’t call it work. It’s our life, and our best friends are in the team. We live in a bubble – but we also travel the world and experience more of life than many others. Right now, we’re putting everything into this, without any brakes. Later on, we’ll find a balance in life that works moving forward – you have to when you love it as much as we do.

Zeeshan wants to inspire students to get their minds set on entrepreneurship

Zeeshan takes every opportunity to learn about – and inspire others to explore – the world of entrepreneurship. Before he moved to Sweden to begin his master’s degree, he was an associate consultant at a Management Consulting firm in Punjab. There, he was involved in several startup journeys and got up close and personal with the challenges – and opportunities – that’s part of the entrepreneurial life. A life he wanted to get to know better. And that’s why he didn’t hesitate to join Science Parks community and the student association StartUp Jönköping, when he moved to Sweden.

StartUp Jönköping’s goal is to inspire fellow students at Jönköping University to get interested in entrepreneurship. Science Park works closely with the association and it was through the co-created student event “Pitchers corner” that Zeeshan got in touch with the business developer Yankuba for the first time.

What are the benefits of running your own business while studying?

– You get a chance to explore and develop yourself as a person. “How?” you might think? By always putting your self in to new and uncertain situation. It’s also an opportunity to test yourself and see what skills and qualities you can bring to the table.

What’s the first thing you should do if you want to start a company as a student?

– As an international student – learn Swedish. It’s important in order to create a relationship with your customer. If you can speak Swedish it’s easier to get a good connection, because most people are more comfortable speaking in their own language.

Want to be a student consultant or tag along on a startup adventure?

At Science Park we believe that anyone who has a dream of starting a consulting business in their field of studies should have the opportunity to do so. We also believe that anyone that wants to be part of an existing start-up to help them elevate should also do so – especially students. That’s why we would also love to help you get started! Here you can read more about how Science Park can support you in finding assignments as a student consultant, or try your skills in a startup as an student resource.

Tell us a little bit more about your business idea!

My business started as an idea that changed along the way. Now I run a company that offers lectures, classes and challenges about shares and savings, within the brand ”Learn & Earn”. My business is very flexible.

What are your thoughts on combining your own business with your studies? Any tips on how to master the combination of work and studies?

I think it is a good opportunity, but I have also realized that it takes a lot of time to work proactively with your business. The more focused you are, the better and bigger it gets.

For example: every morning I dedicate one hour of my time to work with my business, which helps me to continuously take small steps forward. That’s a strategy that has been working out good, and sometimes less good, for me in different periods.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an entrepreneur?

On a daily basis the biggest challenge lack of time and to prioritize what I want to do. When I started my business I also experienced some difficulties with registration and taxes in Germany that devoured time, energy and money.

Any final tips to aspiring student entrepreneurs out there?

Have you been in contact with Science Park at any point through your journey? Was it helpful? If yes, in what way?

Yes, I’ve been in contact with Science Park many times. We had contact through a class I was taking at school, but I have also attended different lectures and events that Science Park has hosted. I also joined Science Parks Kickstart program that helped me prioritize my entrepreneurship.

Science Park provides a great network!

How come you decided to start your own business while studying?

I saw it as the perfect opportunity to gain real life experience as a complement to my studies, I also saw it as a great way to make some extra money besides my studies.

Tell us a little bit more about your company. What do you do and what kind of companies are you working with?

I have a consultant company, where I help companies with their marketing as well as business development. One of the companies I worked with was Go Banana, during my time there we grew from 3 to 7 stores and my job was to be in charge of both the local marketing in Jönköping but also the overall brand image for the franchise. I also worked as a student consultant at Science Park where I got the opportunity to help some companies with their business development.

What are your thoughts on combining your own business with your studies? Any tips on how to master the combination of work and studies?

I think that it’s a great fit. As a student your schedule changes a lot, it is therefore great to have a job that you can be flexible with and that you can do whenever it works for you.

I was also during my time at JIBS involved in a lot of student projects (Spring Inspiration2019, 2,5 year at Jubel, Head Fadder at the kickoff & Project Manager Nextstep2020) so I would also like to highlight that it works out great to have a company while you are studying and being involved in projects at school.

Has your business experience been an advantage when applying for a job?

As mention, having your own business makes your resume stand out. During my last year at school I was in countless of job interviews and applied to several different jobs.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an entrepreneur?

It can be hard to find customers, you have to be social and talk with a lot of people to find those that actually want to work with you. Unless you start as a student consultant at Science Park, then Science Park can help you by matching you with companies which I personally liked a lot since it gave me business without having to spend that much time looking for them.

Any final tips to aspiring student entrepreneurs out there?

Just do it! The timing is perfect, and you will grow so much as a person! Also, talk with Science Park, they will help you a lot. It is completely free and they can help you with all kinds of questions and matters. Good luck!