Rich Mironov: The Real Cost of AI — Valuations, Bottlenecks & Business Cases - Productized 2025 TalkInTen

Nov 10, 2025

Rich Mironov, a seasoned product leader known for his straightforward advice, dives into the intriguing world of AI funding. He warns that the current frenzy may signal a bubble about to burst, exposing the true costs of energy and data. Rich also discusses new bottlenecks that will arise as engineering friction fades, and he emphasizes the importance of aligning product narratives with financial realities. His practical mentoring tips for product leaders on navigating the go-to-market space are invaluable for staying ahead in today's competitive landscape.

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INSIGHT

AI Valuations Exceed Real Economics

The current AI funding looks like a large bubble that will correct soon.
Rich Mironov warns valuations far exceed revenue and the true cost of energy and data will force a reset.

INSIGHT

Three Hidden Costs Of AI

AI's hidden costs include energy, revenue generation, and data exhaustion.
Mironov predicts consumers will face big bills or tools will vanish as costs become unavoidable.

ANECDOTE

Bubbles Repeat Through History

Mironov references historical bubbles like Tulips and South Sea to contextualize AI hype.
He notes a recurring pattern: people claim 'this time it's different' before a big deflation.

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We're honoured to partner with the Productized conference in Lisbon, Portugal — an amazing conference for gathering for product leaders, designers and innovators. Productized consistently delivers thoughtful programming, practical takeaways and a warm, curious community. We're proud to be back for the third year running and grateful to Bobcats Coding for powering this Lisbon series.

This short, sharp episode features Rich Mironov on what’s next for AI, why current valuations look fragile, where the new bottlenecks will appear, and a brutally useful reminder: learn to speak the language of money.

Key topics discussed

Why the current AI funding frenzy looks like a bubble and what that means for product teams.
The real costs of AI — energy, data, and sustainable revenue models.
New bottlenecks that emerge if engineering friction disappears.
How product people should talk to go-to-market teams: make it a financial story.
Practical mentoring tips for product leaders working with sales and execs.

Guest bio:

Rich Mironov — veteran product leader, speaker and author known for candid guidance on product strategy, go-to-market thinking and product org design. Rich mentors product officers, speaks globally about business cases and is respected for blunt, practical advice that helps product teams connect technology to business value.

Listen, learn, act: If you build or lead product teams, this is a timely primer on aligning product roadmaps with real economics, and a reality check on AI hype.

Thanks to our sponsors Bobcats Coding for making our Lisbon series possible. Download their AI economics guidebook at bobcatscoding.com and support the shows that bring these conversations to life.

Host Bio

Ben is a seasoned expert in product agility coaching, unleashing the potential of people and products. With over a decade of experience, his focus now is product-led growth & agility in organisations of all sizes.

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Ben Maynard

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Product Agility Podcast

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