Non-tech entrepreneurs can prosper by revising their product strategies and zeroing in on AI where it generates significant effects.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, we are now entering the AI-first era, where intelligent agents, akin to gemini, take on tasks based on stated goals, redefining interaction. This shift, as highlighted by fintech company 276 Holdings based in Seoul, founded in 2019, is set to redefine the way startups and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operate.
The author of this article, Johnny LE, an individual with over 15 years of experience in building tech ventures across various countries, underscores the importance of domain knowledge in the AI-first world. In contrast to the past, where technical expertise was the primary advantage, the focus is now on understanding the problem at hand.
The 2000s marked the transition of software to the Cloud and SaaS era, allowing access from anywhere and updates to become continuous. Fast forward to the 2020s, and we are witnessing a shift towards AI-first thinking. This era is uniquely suited to non-technical founders and entrepreneurs, as their real-world expertise becomes the true advantage.
In this new era, AI, much like gemini, is fundamentally changing how software, companies, and skills are built. The challenge for builders has shifted from compatibility with local machines to designing systems for massive scale, elastic infrastructure, and recurring subscription revenue. The infrastructure is also shifting from brute force of bigger servers to intelligent placement, with some AI running in the cloud while other tasks live at the edge for privacy and instant responsiveness.
The AI-first era is not just about automation; it's about intelligent agents that understand goals expressed in natural language and translate them into action. We are moving from apps to agents: software that proactively plans, integrates with CRMs, ERPs or payment systems, and delivers back results with an audit trail.
Examples of AI-first era applications include support assistants that draft responses and finance copilots that reconcile books. These agents are layered with guardrails, evaluation metrics, and rollback systems to ensure alignment and compliance.
However, this shift presents challenges, particularly for large enterprises due to their size. This creates opportunities for smaller founders who can adapt quickly and leverage their domain expertise. Non-technical founders, entrepreneurs, and SME owners must rethink their approach to products, platforms, and transformation to succeed in the AI era.
In conclusion, the AI-first era is a new frontier for non-technical founders, small business owners, and entrepreneurs with real-world expertise. By focusing on impact first, prioritizing areas where AI can make the biggest difference - speed, quality, or decision-making power - and by embracing the shift from apps to agents, they can thrive in this exciting new era.
