Two startups at global scale without DevOps

AI-native startups like Relevance AI and Leonardo.AI are leveraging operational models that bypass the need for dedicated infrastructure teams, allowing them to scale efficiently and focus on product development. Relevance AI automates workflows across platforms such as Salesforce and Slack, while Leonardo.AI processes millions of images daily for creative professionals, both achieving global scale without manual intervention. This approach is thriving in the APAC region, where AI venture capital is abundant but DevOps talent is scarce, enabling startups to allocate resources towards innovation rather than infrastructure management. Utilizing platforms like Vercel, these companies have dramatically reduced build and load times, enhancing their ability to innovate rapidly and meet the demands of expanding user bases. As the AI startup ecosystem in APAC grows, the success of these lean operational models suggests a shift towards prioritizing product development over expanding operations teams.