Chain of Thought From Demo to Defensibility: How to Build an AI Business that Lasts | Aurimas Griciūnas
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Aug 27, 2025 Aurimas Griciūnas, CEO of SwirlAI and AI bootcamp founder, discusses building sustainable AI businesses. He emphasizes that success now relies on speed, financial backing, and exceptional talent, rather than just trendy tools. Aurimas warns about the pitfalls of neglecting fundamental engineering in a crowded market. He also shares insights on the future of AI, foreshadowing a slowdown in LLM advancements and the rise of self-improving systems, making a case for the significance of robust data engineering and automated feedback loops.
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Why He Passed On Observability Startup
- Aurimas researched observability startups after leaving Neptune AI and found over 20 competitors and many open-source options.
- He concluded the space lacked a clear unique niche, which steered him away from building there.
Engineer For Enterprise Expectations
- Do prioritize enterprise-grade engineering when targeting large customers because they demand security, stability, and on‑prem deployment.
- Do plan for deep support, scalability, and rigorous engineering instead of relying on hobbyist open-source polish.
Three Paths To Startup Success Now
- The startup winners today are those who get escape velocity fast, have large capital, or have distribution day one.
- This dynamic makes many market niches hard to break into without speed, money, or built-in reach.