The Misconception about Artificial Intelligence in Startups
As we constantly hear about artificial intelligence (AI), it's essential to convey a message to young entrepreneurs: succeeding doesn't necessarily mean betting on AI.
While AI is a booming field, it's not a sine qua non condition for creating a high-potential startup. When an investor puts their faith in a startup, what matters most is the founders, far more than the idea itself. Why? Because they embody the capacity for execution, resilience, and adaptation.
Good founders are motivated, curious, determined, and capable of facing the unexpected. They see each obstacle as a learning opportunity and respond to failures by immediately focusing on the next steps. They are problem-solvers, lucid and resourceful, who know how to navigate reality.
Globally, AI-specialized startups raised $104 billion in the first half of 2025, out of a total of $310 billion raised across all sectors. This figure shows that other domains continue to spark strong interest and deserve to be explored, particularly in Tunisia and more broadly in Africa.
In our context, it may be more relevant to tackle concrete local problems, building useful solutions adapted to the economic and social environment. AI may certainly play a role in the future, but it requires solid digital infrastructure and strong digitalization, which is not yet widespread in our region. It can therefore be integrated gradually, as a medium- or long-term growth lever, but should not eclipse other innovation and immediate impact opportunities.
By focusing on local problems and building practical solutions, young entrepreneurs can create successful startups that make a real difference, with or without AI.
