Ruchir Baronia, a former engineer at Meta, has just launched Frontdesk, an innovative AI startup that is already transforming the way businesses manage customer interactions by automating millions of calls. His journey from a comfortable salary to entrepreneurship showcases a bold leap into the future of AI technology.
Baronia, who graduated from UC Berkeley in 2023 with degrees in electrical engineering and business, left Meta in February 2025 after a year and a half. His decision to quit a high-paying job at a leading tech company was driven by a vision to create impactful technology that serves real-world needs.
He recalls his early fascination with coding, building apps like Rescuer, which helps users alert emergency contacts in critical situations. This experience laid the foundation for Baronia’s passion for developing solutions that protect and connect people. “If this ever became good enough, what would it look like to use it to help real businesses?” Baronia wondered, sparking the creation of Frontdesk.
Frontdesk is not just another startup; it is a comprehensive AI operating system designed to engage with customers across multiple channels, handling tasks like scheduling and follow-ups seamlessly. Baronia’s prototype, inspired by the viral success of ChatGPT, connects AI capabilities to real phone lines, allowing businesses to never miss a call from a potential customer.
The urgency for such a service is palpable. Businesses risk losing customers for every missed call, and Baronia recognized an unserved market eager for solutions. “Every month I stayed at Meta was a month these businesses were not being served,” he stated, reflecting on his choice to leave the tech giant.
Working from an office in SoHo, NYC, Baronia leads a team of former tech professionals who share a similar entrepreneurial spirit. They left behind lucrative salaries and stock options to pursue a common mission: to build technology that makes a difference. “I feel lucky to work with people who push me to be better every day,” he added.
As Frontdesk continues to grow, the impact of Baronia’s work is evident. Millions of calls are now managed by AI, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently and effectively. “The phones are still ringing, and the models are still getting better,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to stay close to the code and innovate further.
With the tech landscape rapidly evolving, Baronia’s journey exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that is reshaping industries. His story is a testament to the power of taking risks and following one’s passion, proving that even a comfortable job at a tech giant can be left behind for something greater.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Frontdesk aims to redefine customer engagement in the digital age.
