“AI will not just be a tool that answers questions, but an employee that actually gets work done.” As Artificial Intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes industries across the globe, startup Brighton Ai Holdings is stepping into the spotlight. Transitioning from a fund manager in the financial sector to an AI entrepreneur, CEO Mason In believes that AI is not merely a technology, but the core keyword that will redefine how businesses operate. We sat down with him to discuss the vision and agility required of an entrepreneur in the AI era.
Q. What inspired you to enter this field? I moved to Australia after working as a fund manager in the Korean stock market. The catalyst for my interest in AI was actually switching my phone to a Galaxy Z Flip. The moment I saw AI features being natively integrated into the device, I became obsessed with the idea of being a frontrunner in this trend. As soon as I got home, I started teaching myself programming languages like Python and Java. I began building AI models from scratch. As I developed services and fine-tuned models, the business potential of AI became crystal clear, and I realized I needed a professional development team. That was the point when the company was officially established.
Q. What kind of service models are you currently preparing? Brighton Ai’s services focus on business automation through AI. However, our perspective is entirely different from simple automation; the solutions we provide are an AI OS capable of replacing human labor at a high level. Key examples include Works OS, which supports overall business operations, and CS OS, which handles customer consultation and management. First, our Works OS, ‘Nero People,’ is a system designed so that AI can directly perform tasks typically handled by human staff. Instead of a manager manually tracking attendance, rostering, evaluating performance, or recruiting, the AI analyzes operational data to suggest necessary actions and even automates parts of the actual execution. While Nero People automates internal operations, our CS OS, ‘Pure,’ automates customer consultations. The AI acts as an agent, gathering necessary information and “filling in the blanks” to resolve customer issues through Q&A. It categorizes high-value data, makes outbound calls to drive additional sales, and schedules meetings—all automatically. Our AI moves autonomously until the problem is solved. We call this the ‘Agentic Loop.’
Q. Who will benefit most from these services? I believe Brighton Ai’s solutions will become essential for small business owners and SME (Small to Medium Enterprise) CEOs. Instead of spending time, money, and effort mastering complex accounting programs like Xero or MYOB, or managing customer inquiries, you can adopt our solution. You can solve problems with simple commands like, “Input the staff wages,” or “Tell me which customer is most likely to sign a contract.” Since the AI provides not only automation but also operational insights, improvements, and risk management, operational efficiency inevitably skyrockets.
Q. Some people feel a sense of fear regarding AI. What are your thoughts on this? Reactions to AI generally fall into two categories: those who fear it and those who expect it to take over their burdensome tasks. Interestingly, I’ve noticed a difference based on population density. In high-density areas, the fear of AI tends to be relatively higher. Conversely, in low-density regions, there is a stronger tendency to actively utilize AI. Because the perception of job security differs, people in less populated areas often feel more liberated from the idea that AI will “steal” their jobs. While everyone accepts AI differently depending on their circumstances, I believe it’s important to view AI as a supportive tool rather than a threat.
Q. What is the most challenging part of being a startup founder? As a CEO, I find two things most difficult: a lack of time and the complexities of human relationships. Working between Korea and Australia means I’m traveling almost every month. When schedules overlap, I have to power through back-to-back meetings. I’ve even had to get an IV drip because of the physical toll of cramming a week’s worth of international meetings into a tight window. Additionally, having almost no personal time inevitably creates distance between myself and close friends or acquaintances. Furthermore, as the company grows and the team expands, not every employee immediately understands my vision. Building a team that looks in the same direction within such a fast-moving market is the hardest task of all.
Q. What advice would you give to the younger generation looking to start a business? Starting a business isn’t just about having an idea; it’s a process of taking responsibility and enduring for a long time. In the tech sector specifically, the pace of change is so fast that you must constantly study and pivot. Rather than expecting short-term success, focus on finding a problem you truly want to solve and stay consistent in solving it. Also, don’t try to do everything alone. Building a strong team that shares your vision is more important than anything else. Ultimately, the success of a startup is often determined by people and teamwork, not just technology.
Q. Finally, what are your future goals? Our goal is to launch our services simultaneously in Korea and Australia within this year. We have expansion plans prepared for beyond that as well. We are entering an era where the boundary between what humans and AI can do is blurring. My colleagues and I are constantly thinking about how human-AI collaboration will look in that future. Amidst the rapid flow of change brought by AI, we want to begin building Brighton’s unique AI ecosystem.
