Sifted Studio Europe's AI opportunity episode 2: Building AI startups for the enterprise era
Jun 19, 2025
Olivier Gomez, Co-founder and CEO of IAC.AI, provides strategic insights into how enterprises are adopting AI, while Anubhav Maheshwari, Head of Venture Partnerships at Nebius, dives into the challenges faced by AI startups in Europe. They discuss the careful navigation necessary to move from proof of concept to scalable solutions. The duo explores the significant productivity gains possible through well-aligned AI initiatives and emphasizes the importance of clear risk management and differentiation to succeed in the competitive landscape.
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Episode notes
US vs Europe Risk Appetite
- The US market is more willing to take risks and invest upfront in AI startups compared to Europe.
- European enterprises demand proof of ROI before approving budgets, making early-stage adoption harder.
Business Case Is Critical
- European enterprise buyers want startups to clearly articulate the business value and ROI of AI technologies.
- Selling technology alone is not enough; startups must connect to CFO-level concerns about financial impact.
Focus on Clear Use Cases
- Startups should identify clear, focused AI use cases aligned with the enterprise’s maturity and data readiness.
- Engage knowledgeable internal champions for creative thinking to match AI approaches to real business needs.