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In this conversation, we dive into how Aquibur took AMP-powered, interactive email technology and evolved it into a full-fledged AI-driven email marketing and automation platform (Mailmodo). We cover his founding story, the shift from static to interactive emails, his approach to product-market fit, how generative AI is reshaping marketing teams and functions, and practical advice for startups on choosing channels, building trust, and maximizing ROI from email.
Guest: Aquibur Rahman
- Background: Started in growth roles (Facebook Ads → organic SEO, content, email) at startups and led marketing at ClearTax.
- Mailmodo: Co-founded in 2020 to make emails interactive (using Google’s AMP technology), joined Y Combinator, raised seed from Sequoia.
- Today: Leading an AI-native email marketing & automation platform, launching AI-powered template generation (June 2025) and full “prompt-to-campaign” automation (September 2025).
- Connect:
Key Topics & Timestamps
- 00:00 – Introduction & AQ’s background
From Facebook Ads to leading marketing at ClearTax, and the inspiration behind Mailmodo. - 00:54 – Why interactive email?
The problem with static email → users click out to websites → low conversions → frustration for marketers. - 01:30 – Building Mailmodo
Launch in 2021, Y Combinator, Sequoia seed, global expansion, product roadmap evolution. - 02:35 – AI in email marketing
How generative AI will automate template creation, audience building, campaign setup—“just prompt your goal.” - 03:45 – Technology → solution mindset
Start with customer pain points, then apply new tech (AMP, then AI) to solve them. - 05:10 – Marketing fundamentals vs. channels
Core of understanding customer pain > attention > trust > value—regardless of Google Ads, TikTok, etc. - 06:20 – Advice for startups today
- Identify customers & channels (incl. ChatGPT search).
- Craft concise, non-generic messaging.
- Leverage influencer marketing, LLM-SEO, retention focus.
- 07:50 – Team structure in the AI era
From specialized PM/design/eng roles to multifunctional generalists empowered by AI tools. - 09:20 – Email best practices
Respect opt-in trust, add value, avoid countdown bombarding; engagement drives deliverability. - 11:15 – Biggest disruptions in marketing
SEO → LLM-driven search, cold outreach saturation → need for trust-first educational content, presence on AI platforms. - 13:10 – Building brand & thought leadership
For new startups: start with person-to-person sales → scale to content & brand building → become a niche influencer.
Memorable Quotes
“Email has been there since the beginning of the Internet, but nothing has changed even a bit. If we make emails interactive and actionable, conversion and engagement can go much higher.”“My approach is not to adopt a new technology and create a product, but to find a problem my customers face and then apply the technology to solve it.”“In the AI era, teams aren’t getting bigger—they’re getting faster. Fewer people doing more with the help of AI.”
Resources & Links
