AI Hype: Which Startups Will Survive the Hype? | Who Needs an AI Strategy? | AI First or AI Enabled? | What Founders Must Know About AI

About this episode

The AI hype is in full swing. Since ChatGPT's release, developments around artificial intelligence have been accelerating rapidly. But what does this actually mean for founders? Is it enough to write "AI" on your pitch deck, or are there fundamental challenges that need to be understood?

Jasper Masemann from Cherry Ventures and Rasmus Rothe from Merantix bring important perspectives to this discussion as experienced investors and AI experts. Their insights help founders separate hype from reality and make strategic decisions.

Perceiving AI Development

The current AI wave fundamentally differs from previous technology hypes. What we're experiencing today isn't just a marketing phenomenon, but a real shift in technological capabilities. Generative AI has crossed the threshold to practical applicability and is already changing concrete work processes today.

For founders, this means: The hype may be exaggerated, but the underlying transformation is real. The challenge lies in distinguishing between short-term trends and long-term changes.

Everyday Tools for Founders: Concrete Recommendations

The experts recommend founders start with practical AI tools that create immediate value. Instead of getting caught up in complex AI strategies, founders should first understand how AI can improve their daily work.

This isn't about the latest, shiniest tools, but proven applications that demonstrably bring efficiency gains. The key is to start small and scale gradually.

Mistral AI and Mega-Deals: What Makes Them Attractive?

Mistral AI's €100 million round raises questions: What makes such deals attractive to investors? The answer lies in strategic positioning and timing. Mistral AI has managed to differentiate itself in a crowded market while leveraging the right momentum.

For other founders, the important lesson is: Large funding rounds aren't automatically a success indicator, but they show where investors see long-term market opportunities.

Cloud vs. Hardware: The Right Infrastructure Decision

A central question for AI startups is choosing between cloud solutions and proprietary hardware. This decision depends on several factors:

• –Scaling speed: Cloud enables rapid growth without upfront investments
• –Long-term costs: At sufficient scale, proprietary hardware can become more cost-effective
• –Control and customizability: Hardware offers more flexibility for specific requirements
• –Capital availability: Hardware requires significant upfront investments

Most startups should begin with cloud solutions and only consider hardware at appropriate scale.

Surviving the Hype: Strategies for Sustainable AI Startups

Which AI startups will survive the current hype? The answer lies in focusing on real problems and sustainable solutions. Successful AI companies are characterized by the following traits:

• –Clear customer focus: They solve specific, painful problems
• –Defensible technology: Their AI application isn't easily replicable
• –Strong team: They possess the necessary technical and business expertise
• –Realistic expectations: They don't promise the impossible

Startups that only jump on the hype without creating real value will fail ruthlessly.

AI Strategy for Non-AI-First Companies

Not every company needs to be AI-first. For established companies and startups in other areas, the question is: How do I develop a sensible AI strategy without jeopardizing my core business?

The approach should be pragmatic:

1. –Identifying use cases: Where can AI improve existing processes?
2. –Pilot projects: Start small and learn
3. –Gradual integration: AI as an enabler, not a replacement for core business
4. –Building competencies: Enable the team to use AI tools effectively

Risks and Opportunities: Dealing with Uncertainty

The AI landscape is changing rapidly. Founders must learn to deal with uncertainty while seizing opportunities. It's important to:

• –Stay flexible: Technologies and markets evolve quickly
• –Learn continuously: Stay current without following every trend
• –Calculate risks: Don't put all eggs in one basket
• –Leverage networks: Learn from others and exchange experiences

The coming years will be decisive. AI will continue to drive efficiency, but only companies with clear strategies and realistic expectations will succeed long-term.

For founders: The AI hype offers opportunities, but also dangers. Success goes to those who focus on real problems and develop sustainable solutions, rather than just following the latest trend.