'AI FOMO': Why this Google techie left the tech giant even after getting Rs 9.5 crore salary

After earning nearly $1 million ( Rs 9.5 crore) in a year at Google, Yousuf Imran made a decision that surprised many. The former account executive walked away from one of the world's biggest technology companies, saying concerns over layoffs and the fear of missing out (FOMO) on the AI boom pushed him to start his own business.

Speaking to Business Insider, Imran said Google offered excellent pay, but the rapid rise of artificial intelligence made him rethink his future. "I earned nearly $1 million last year as an account executive at Google, but I felt some "FOMO" around the AI boom."
He added: "I think most people at Google would tell you the same if they were being candid."

AI salaries and equity changed his perspective

Imran said compensation at AI companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic also influenced his thinking. "Google pays very well, but the equity packages at OpenAI and Anthropic are in a different universe. A three- or four-year stock grant at one of these companies can be life-changing money."
That comparison made him wonder whether, instead of helping build someone else's company, he should focus on creating equity in a business of his own.

From Bangladesh to Google: Building a sales career

Imran moved from Bangladesh to New York with his family when he was five years old and grew up in Queens. He chose a career in sales because he believed success depended more on ability than formal qualifications.

After spending around 15 years in sales, he joined Google in 2020, helping customers use the company's AI and machine learning products to solve business problems.

Last year, his base salary was about $170,000, while commissions made up the bulk of his earnings, taking his total W-2 income to roughly $986,000.

Reflecting on his journey, he said: "I think part of my success came from what I call the immigrant hustle. My family moved to New York when I was five years old from Bangladesh, and I grew up believing that if you don't put in the work, you won't get results."

Curiosity and AI experimentation

Imran also credited his curiosity for helping him succeed. He spent years learning about his customers' businesses while developing a deep understanding of AI and machine learning, allowing him to offer practical solutions.

Outside work, his interest in AI only grew stronger. He spent weekends experimenting with tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini, starting with small personal projects before moving on to more ambitious AI applications.

Layoff fears strengthened his resolve

Repeated rounds of layoffs at Google also played a key role in his decision to leave. "I also thought about my job security at Google, given the company's layoffs in prior years. What struck me about the recent layoff rounds at Google was that they hit genuinely talented people. The uncertainty of a potential layoff was another input into my decision to bet on myself."

Launching Mangosteen Studio

In April, after six years at Google, Imran left to launch Mangosteen Studio, an AI product lab that develops sales tools for account executives. "The thesis is simple: I spent 20 years quota-carrying at some of the biggest companies, so I'm building the tools I wish I'd had."
Before resigning, he ensured he had sufficient financial backing. He set aside $200,000 to fund the business for two years and another $150,000 to cover his mortgage and personal expenses. His goal was to rely on his own savings for as long as possible instead of raising outside investment.

Today, Imran runs the business as a solo founder, supported by a small team of engineers, marketers and contractors. He said many sales professionals have already tested the company's AI tools free of charge, giving him confidence that the products are solving real customer problems.

'The right moment to take the risk'

Looking back, Imran believes the AI revolution is creating unprecedented opportunities for people willing to take calculated risks. "Ultimately, I recognized that leaving Google meant leaving a lot of things behind, both financially and professionally. But my confidence and domain expertise made me feel like this was the right moment to take the risk."