Building AI with Purpose – A Conversation with the Co-Founder of AAI Labs

AAI Labs is a top-tier Lithuanian company focused on developing custom AI solutions for both public and private sector clients. By combining applied research with hands-on development, they help organizations navigate and harness the power of artificial intelligence. In this interview, we speak with one of the founders, Aistis Raudys, about how the company started, what sets it apart, the challenges they have faced, and where AI is headed next.

What inspired you to start AAI Labs? Is there a story behind it?

Before founding AAI Labs, I was working in algorithmic sales, a field that didn’t quite spark my passion. I was looking for something more meaningful on the side and started working with CoderDojo, where I taught kids how to code. That’s where I reconnected with Tadas, who, like me, had a strong interest in AI. I had just completed a PhD in an AI-related field, and we quickly found common ground.

Around the same time, I was approached by Hanner, a real estate company, with a proposal to build a voice-driven virtual assistant. I wasn’t confident tackling the project alone, so I invited Tadas to join me. That collaboration became the foundation for AAI Labs. What started as a single project quickly grew into a series of partnerships, and eventually, a full-fledged company.

How did your background prepare you for launching AAI Labs?

I have always seen myself more as a scientist and researcher than a businessman. But at some point, I realized I wanted to do more. For me, starting a business was a way to expand my impact beyond academia and apply my knowledge in real-world settings.

What problem is AAI Labs solving, and why does it matter now more than ever?

AI is a hot topic, and while interest is growing rapidly, many companies still don’t know where to begin. That is where we come in.

AAI Labs helps organizations get started with AI, whether by building custom models, guiding them through funding applications, or producing detailed technical reports. We bring both technical expertise and practical support to the table, offering end-to-end help for businesses stepping into the world of AI. With strong government support for innovation, especially in this space, the timing has never been better.

What has been your biggest challenge as a founder so far?

Sales. Tadas and I are both technical by nature—more comfortable building systems than pitching them. Selling AI solutions abroad has been especially difficult. We are often competing with large, well-known players from countries like the US or Israel, who have more resources, stronger brand recognition, and established sales teams. For a small Lithuanian company, standing out in that global market is tough.

Even locally, it is not easy. While there is growing interest in AI, many Lithuanian companies still lean toward safer, more familiar territory like web development or traditional IT services, especially if government funding for innovation is not available. As a result, we are not only competing with local skepticism but also with international giants who dominate the space.

How do you see AI evolving in your industry over the next 3–5 years?

GenAI is advancing at lightning speed. With major players pouring enormous resources into it, I believe that in five years, programming as we know it may largely disappear. AI will be able to generate applications on demand, tailored to specific needs, in real-time.

We will likely communicate with AI mostly through voice, not text. Speaking is faster and more natural. I also believe in the rise of personalized virtual assistants: tools that manage our calendars, meetings, and schedules like a human secretary would.

What makes AAI Labs different from other players in the space?

We are a young, small, and agile team. That allows us to move fast, stay affordable, and take on projects with flexibility that larger companies cannot offer.

One example I’m proud of is our early work on voice synthesis. We developed it before many other companies in the region. While others have since caught up, we had a head start. Of course, being small has its downsides—not everyone in the market knows we exist. That is something we are actively working to change.

Can you share a turning point or breakthrough moment for the company?

Two moments stand out.

The first was when Factris hired us after our initial project with Hanner. That marked the shift from a one-off gig to something sustainable. It was the moment AAI Labs became a real company.

The second came through my university teaching. I met consultants looking for scientists to collaborate on EU-funded projects. Some of them ended up hiring us. That opened the door to a continuous stream of projects: reports, implementations, funding applications, and our growth accelerated from there.

What’s your approach to building a strong company culture?

Transparency is key. We make sure our team knows exactly what we are working toward and what rewards come with reaching those goals.

We also care deeply about our employees’ happiness and motivation. If someone isn’t fulfilled in their current role, we try to shift them to tasks they enjoy more. We encourage social engagement, though it is trickier in a remote setup. For instance, we use a robot to help schedule weekly team meetings, but people are more likely to ignore it than they would a human organizer. When one employee previously led social initiatives, participation was higher. It shows that culture often comes down to the human element, even in a tech company. 

How do you stay motivated and focused during tough times?

Interestingly, we are often more motivated when things are tough or uncertain. During quiet periods, it is harder to stay energized. But when we sense turbulence ahead, we act fast.

For example, we anticipate a slowdown in the Lithuanian AI landscape early next year. In response, we have launched our first international project—a Horizon application. This push into new territory is both a challenge and a source of fresh motivation for the entire team.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in AI today?

Don’t wait for perfection. Focus on how the world reacts to your ideas, not how you wish it would react.

Instead of building the “perfect” product in isolation, release smaller MVPs and see what gains traction. If people respond positively, that’s your green light to keep going. Market validation is more important than your internal vision. Let real-world feedback guide your next steps.

Thanks for sharing your story and insights! Any final thoughts?

Thanks, it’s been great to reflect on our journey. AI is evolving fast, and there’s no better time to get involved. Whether you are building, learning, or investing, keep moving forward and don’t be afraid to start small. That’s exactly how AAI Labs began.