A $700M Nvidia-backed AI search startup is hiring 'rebellious' engineers, its CEO told us

In a bold move to reshape the future of AI search, Exa, a startup backed by Nvidia, is actively searching for unconventional engineers. The company is set to inaugurate its new office in Singapore this Monday, marking a significant step in its expansion into the Asia-Pacific region. With only a small team currently in Asia-Pacific, Exa aims to recruit up to ten engineers specialized in backend, infrastructure, and product roles in the upcoming months. CEO Will Byrk emphasized the need for 'rebellious' engineers who challenge traditional methodologies and think critically about solutions. He explained, "We want individuals who disregard the status quo and can innovate from first principles." Byrk pointed out that the development of search technologies for AI is still in its infancy, necessitating a re-evaluation of how search functions, given that human and AI interactions differ significantly. He expressed a strong belief in the potential of engineers who share a similar mindset, stating, "I don't accept the notion that something can't be achieved." At Exa, the emphasis is on candidates' values rather than solely their experience. Byrk mentioned, "We are looking for individuals who are genuinely passionate about constructing effective search systems and large-scale infrastructures." To evaluate a candidate's character, Exa invites applicants to San Francisco for a one- to two-day collaboration with the existing team. Currently employing around 80 people globally, Exa is also hiring in Zurich and San Francisco. Byrk noted that this immersive approach allows the team to understand a candidate beyond their work output, fostering deeper connections during shared meals. In terms of technological prowess, Byrk highlighted that the ideal engineers should be swift in their work and adept at utilizing AI tools, as much of Exa's coding is performed by AI. Recently, the company completed a Series B funding round, raising $85 million, which boosted its valuation to $700 million. Notable investors include Benchmark, Lightspeed, YCombinator, and NVentures, the venture capital arm of Nvidia. Founded in 2021, Exa serves thousands of clients, including AI startups and consulting firms. Byrk predicts that AI-driven searches will soon surpass those conducted by humans, indicating a pivotal shift in the search landscape. The new Singapore office is envisioned to provide substantial infrastructure, including data pipelines and crawling mechanisms to efficiently gather and process online information. Byrk praised Singapore's engineering talent, stating, "The local workforce is exceptionally intelligent and industrious."