In a world where tech layoffs have become all too common, one Indian origin founder is turning the tide with a jaw-dropping offer that’s making headlines across Silicon Valley. If you’ve been following the recent Meta layoffs, this story might just restore your faith in the resilience and generosity of the tech community.
Let’s dive into how Sudarshan Kamath, the founder of Smallest AI, is stepping up with a bold hiring initiative that’s offering laid-off Meta employees a chance to bounce back—with base salaries reaching up to $600,000.
A Heartfelt Response to Meta’s AI Layoffs
Just hours after Meta announced the layoff of 600 employees from its AI division—including teams from the Fundamental Artificial Intelligence Research (FAIR) unit—Indian origin founder Sudarshan Kamath took to social media with a message that resonated deeply: “Laid off from Meta? We are hiring in speech team for Smallest AI in San Francisco!”
This wasn’t just a generic hiring post. Kamath, an IIT alumnus and founder of Smallest AI, made it clear that he was ready to offer staggering compensation packages to attract top talent. The base salary range? Between $200,000 and $600,000—plus equity.
Why This Offer Matters
In the wake of widespread tech layoffs, especially in AI and infrastructure roles, Kamath’s move stands out for several reasons:
- Empathy in Action: Instead of capitalizing on the situation, Kamath is offering a lifeline to highly skilled professionals who suddenly found themselves jobless.
- Valuing Talent: By offering up to $600K base salary, he’s sending a strong message that top-tier AI engineers deserve top-tier compensation.
- Speed and Transparency: The hiring announcement came within hours of Meta’s layoff news, showing Kamath’s agility and commitment.
This initiative isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about rebuilding trust and momentum in the AI community.
Who Is Indian origin founder?
Indian origin founder Sudarshan Kamath is no stranger to the tech world. A US-based entrepreneur with Indian roots, Kamath founded Smallest AI with a vision to revolutionize speech technology. His company focuses on cutting-edge speech generation, evaluation, and full-duplex speech-to-speech systems.
Kamath’s background in AI and his experience working with top-tier engineers make him uniquely positioned to recognize the value of the talent coming out of Meta’s AI division.
What Is Smallest AI Looking For?
Kamath’s hiring post wasn’t vague. He laid out specific requirements for candidates:
- Experience with speech evaluations
- Expertise in speech generation
- Familiarity with full-duplex speech-to-speech systems
These roles are critical to Smallest AI’s mission of advancing real-time speech tech. And with the recent Meta layoffs, there’s a pool of highly qualified engineers who fit the bill perfectly.
The $600K Salary Offer: More Than Just Money
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—the $600,000 base salary offer.
In a market where even senior engineers often settle for less, Indian origin founder Kamath’s offer is not just generous—it’s transformative. It reflects:
- Confidence in the future of AI
- Respect for technical expertise
- A commitment to building a world-class team
And it’s not just about the money. Equity options sweeten the deal, giving engineers a stake in the company’s growth and success.
The Bigger Picture: Tech Layoffs and Talent Redistribution
Meta’s layoffs are part of a broader trend in 2025, where major tech firms are restructuring their AI divisions. While this has led to uncertainty for many professionals, it’s also creating opportunities for startups like Smallest AI to scoop up top talent.
Indian origin founder Kamath’s move is a prime example of how Indian-origin founders are playing a pivotal role in reshaping the tech landscape. By offering competitive salaries and meaningful work, they’re not just hiring—they’re healing a shaken industry.
Reactions from the Tech Community
Indian origin founder Kamath’s announcement has sparked a wave of positive reactions online. Engineers, founders, and tech enthusiasts are applauding his boldness and empathy.
Some comments include:
- “This is how you build loyalty and innovation.”
- “Respect to Sudarshan Kamath for valuing talent.”
- “Smallest AI just became the hottest startup to watch.”
It’s clear that this hiring initiative is more than a recruitment drive—it’s a statement of values.
What This Means for Laid-Off Meta Employees
For the 600 employees affected by Meta’s layoffs, Indian origin founder Kamath’s offer could be a turning point. Instead of scrambling for roles, they now have a chance to join a visionary startup with generous compensation and a clear mission.
And for others in the industry, it’s a reminder that talent will always find a home—especially when leaders like Kamath step up.
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter in AI Hiring
In a time of uncertainty,Indian origin founder Sudarshan Kamath’s offer stands as a beacon of hope. His decision to offer up to $600K base salary to laid-off Meta employees isn’t just news—it’s a masterclass in leadership, empathy, and strategic hiring.
As Smallest AI continues to grow, it’s clear that Kamath’s bold move will inspire other founders to rethink how they value and recruit talent.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available news reports and social media announcements as of October 23, 2025. All salary figures and hiring details are subject to change. Readers are encouraged to verify current openings and compensation directly with Smallest AI or relevant sources.
