You Won't Believe What Startup Jobs Will Look Like in 2028—5 Scenarios That Will Shock You!

In the vibrant city of Bengaluru, excitement is building as The Ken prepares for its inaugural Zero Shot event at the Bangalore International Centre. Tomorrow, attendees, including some of The Ken's journalists, will delve into twelve speculative scenarios concerning the potential impact of agentic AI on e-commerce. As the team hustles to finalize arrangements, they are particularly eager about introducing live polls and interactive features within their mobile app to enhance attendee engagement.

For those in Bengaluru who haven’t yet secured their spot, this is the final call: tickets are nearly sold out, and interested participants can purchase the last remaining seats online.

This pre-event buzz has sparked deeper reflections on the implications of AI in startups, particularly in the Indian tech hub of Bengaluru. Observing the preparations for the event and exploring new developments in AI, I find myself venturing further into speculative territory than usual. The rise of agentic AI raises pressing questions about the future landscape of startups. What will this mean not only for business models but also for the individuals who operate within these companies?

Key inquiries arise: What changes will occur within entire functions? Who will be in demand in this new landscape, and conversely, who may become obsolete? Furthermore, as roles evolve and technologies increase efficiency, who rises to power, and who fades into the background?

Over the past year, discussions surrounding career trajectories in startups have often seemed simplistic or vague. On platforms like X, many voices prematurely declared the demise of roles such as Product Managers (PMs). In reality, demand for PMs has remained robust. At the same time, engineers are experiencing a complex situation where they feel both empowered by new tools and overwhelmed by the pace of change, leading to burnout. This multifaceted reality demonstrates that in the world of work, contrasting phenomena can coexist.

With these themes in mind, I’ve formulated some insights regarding the potential evolution of startup careers in India as agentic AI gains traction. The premise focuses on Bengaluru's startup ecosystem, a landscape I know well.

For a deeper exploration, check out my column titled “Five post-agentic startup career scenarios from 2028,” where I discuss these predictions in greater detail.

The Rise of Microdrama in India's Entertainment Landscape

Meanwhile, in the realm of media and entertainment, a different kind of evolution is taking shape. The microdrama market in India, now valued at $300 million, is flourishing. A notable player in this space is Kuku FM, which has transitioned from an audio platform to a creator of engaging microdramas. Their latest offering, titled Shotgun Shaadi, has already captivated audiences, amassing 3.7 million views. This microdrama intertwines elements of suspense and drama, showcasing the rising interest in short-form storytelling.

The producer of Zero Shot, Vidhatri, describes a gripping scene from Shotgun Shaadi: late one night in rural Haryana, armed men confront a birthday celebration, setting the stage for a dramatic tale of conflict and change. While I was initially skeptical about the impact of this microdrama format, having viewed it, I found it undeniably engaging, albeit not something I would revisit.

As Kuku FM expands its offerings, they are set to release their first theatrical film, Indian Institute of Zombies, on May 8. In a recent episode of Zero Shot, we had an insightful conversation with Kunj Sanghvi, the VP of Content at Kuku FM, about the role of AI in their production process. Notably, he highlighted that the structural elements of Shotgun Shaadi, including its cliffhangers and narrative arcs, were crafted with AI assistance. Sanghvi expressed confidence that their upcoming film could revolutionize the theatrical business.

Listeners can catch the full interview with Sanghvi on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or directly through The Ken app.

The intertwining of AI and creative storytelling exemplifies a broader trend of technology reshaping industries, from e-commerce to entertainment. As we navigate this emerging landscape, the implications for both individuals and organizations will continue to unfold, presenting new opportunities and challenges alike.