Much like the adoption of electricity, however, the integration of AI into the core of the world’s companies will occur in phases. Initially, vertical (or “applied”) AI point solutions will arise and plug into existing workflows and frameworks. “Copilots” are one great example here; natural language programming and custom LLMs are others. “Picks and shovels” – software scaffolding to support the emergence of ubiquitous AI at the enterprise – will emerge in parallel to applied AI solutions. But the largest opportunities may be the ones around corners we can’t see.
As AI matures, the opportunities for enterprise to capitalize on it will expand. There is a whole new world of possibilities, from predictive analytics, intra-company data exhaust capture, and dynamic customer support and sales; to full-scale virtual assistants and robotic process automation. Companies will be able to leverage AI to create new products and services, streamline operations, and improve customer experience. AI can also be used to inform decision-making and provide insights into market trends and customer behavior. As AI becomes more ubiquitous in the enterprise, the possibilities for growth are virtually limitless.
Today may be the best time in history to create a startup tackling the AI opportunity space. And Seattle may be the best place – with the Allen Institute for AI, Microsoft’s AI for Good program, and scores of talented engineers from Microsoft, Amazon, and beyond, the environment is purpose-built for AI founders. And funders like Ascend exist to partner with the founders changing the world through AI.
So founders, hit me up and let’s build!
