Understanding the Impact of AI as a Sustaining Innovation on Startups

Every startup needs to compete with incumbents. But it's different with AI.

AI startups need to create websites or apps from scratch and drive traffic. Incumbents can just add AI as a feature. They have distribution built in.

AI is not like previous tech revolutions. Unlike mobile, the internet, or the PC revolution, AI is not a new distribution channel. Startups are at a much bigger disadvantage than they've ever been.

In this episode, we discuss the 3 key elements you need to consider to answer the most important question:

Will you get distribution faster than incumbents get product?

Keywords
AI, startups, incumbents, distribution channels, technological shift, mobile, internet, PCs, sustaining innovation, disruptive innovation, product versus distribution, founders

Why you should listen

• This time it's different. AI is easier for incumbents and harder for startups than previous tech revolutions.
• Startups need to consider the incumbents they are up against, the power dynamics in the market, and the primary use case they are targeting.
• Understand how to think through the race and what elements are most important

Send me a message to let me know what you think!