Visionary India

What inspired you to start Columsprout AI, and what problem were you hoping to solve?

AI has shortened attention spans and raised shopper expectations - everyone now wants instant, personal answers. Yet online retail still lacks the human touch of offline stores. Support is reactive, sales are fragmented, and brands lose customers despite big ad spends. We’re building Columsprout AI to close that gap - AI agents that blend empathy, intelligence, and brand context to help D2C brands guide, sell, and support like in-store.

How has your journey with Columsprout AI changed you personally and professionally?

Columsprout AI has been my biggest learning curve. Moving from structured consulting to a world where technology evolves by the minute has taught me to stay curious, embrace uncertainty and move fast. It’s made me more decisive and always ready with a plan Z. Above all, it’s reinforced that empathy matters most - whether in building teams, shaping technology, engaging customers or working with partners.

What's something unique about the way Columsprout AI operates that you think more people should know?

At Columsprout AI, we prioritize enthusiasm, drive, and curiosity above everything else. Anyone can contribute to anything. We believe in a culture where roles don’t box people in and ideas can come from anywhere. In a world where information is so democratized, we believe that anyone can learn and do anything - it’s all a matter of mindset.

Shivani, can you share a memorable story about your journey of building Columsprout AI or any interesting story that shaped you?

In one of our early brand demos, our product resonated instantly, but we were asked for a use case we hadn’t built yet: an AI-led personal shopping assistant for online stores. It fit seamlessly into our architecture, so we co-created it, and it’s now a hit with other brands. That experience shaped our core belief: the voice of your customer is the most valuable data. At Columsprout AI, we harness it ourselves as well as help brands turn zero-party insights into better products and experiences.

What are some achievements, milestones, or proud moments you've experienced with Columsprout AI that you'd love people to know about?

One of our proudest moments was getting selected by an incubator on our very first attempt. Since then, we’ve been in a position to say no to several investors - choosing instead to focus on our customers, validate our idea, and refine it through real feedback. We’ve also received incredible response from the brands we’ve spoken to - every conversation and demo has reinforced our belief in what we’re building and the impact we can deliver.

What's one challenge you've faced as a business owner, and how did it shape your outlook on leadership or growth?

We often hear about uncertainty in startups, but nothing truly prepares you for it - until the simplest tasks take months to materialize and you realize how little control you have. I’ve learned that clarity doesn’t come from control, but from keeping your chin up, staying connected to your “why,” and marching on - no matter how many plans fall through.

Outside of work, what's one hobby or passion that keeps you grounded or help you in anyway?

Among many other things, I love propagating plants - it is my masterclass in patience and respecting the process of growth. It takes time, and everything has to come together just right. Sometimes it doesn’t work out, but you keep trying. The first leaf always takes the longest to sprout, but once it does, growth feels effortless - and every new leaf that follows feels just as special. I guess that also makes Columsprout a pretty fitting name for us.

Shivani, do you have a favorite book, movie, or quote that reflects your values or entrepreneurial mindset?

A line from Shoe Dog that’s always stayed with me is, “Life is growth. You grow or you die.” It perfectly captures why I chose entrepreneurship and what it continues to teach me. Growing through every challenge and stretching beyond my comfort zone.

Who has been your biggest influence or role model in business or life, and why?

Like most kids, we founders have always been starry-eyed about how our parents built their lives with resilience. For me, that influence runs deep. My mother, despite being a PhD from a premier institute, moved to a place with limited opportunities yet reinvented herself through learning and persistence. My father may have faced a hundred failures, but he never stopped trying the 101st time. Their grit shapes how I face every challenge today.

Looking ahead, what's your dream vision for Columsprout AI in the next 5 years?

The shape of Columsprout AI may evolve, but our direction is clear - to become the growth engine behind D2C brands worldwide. We aim to operate at the edge of technology, grounded in a deep understanding of shoppers. Our goal is to help brands grow faster while making customers feel truly seen and heard. That is the kind of impact we want to make.

Is there any website/app or any other link you want to share with readers of this interview at Visionary India?

You can learn more about what we’re building at https://www.columsprout.ai - our website has all the details about our products, use cases, and how we’re helping D2C brands grow smarter with AI. We’re always eager to connect and exchange ideas - feel free to reach out to us at connect@columsprout.ai

What do you want to tell your future team members or collaborators?

To anyone who joins us in the future - come curious, come bold. At Columsprout AI, we value enthusiasm and willingness to learn over everything else. We are building something meaningful, and that means embracing change, learning fast, and having fun while doing it. If you’re eager to learn and stay at the edge of what’s new in your domain, you’ll fit right in.

What is Columsprout AI doing differently than your competitors?

At Columsprout AI, we’re reimagining the entire online shopping journey. Most competitors focus on isolated functions like customer support or non-personal nudges and pop-ups. We’re stepping it up with AI shopping assistants, contextual marketing nudges, and automated support and FAQs - all working together. Beyond that, we offer a unified inbox with a human-in-the-loop setup for high-intent conversations, along with zero-party insights and customer segmentation to help brands grow smarter.