'Nobody cares that you're using AI': US angel investor shares blunt message for AI startups

US-based angel investor Roy Korner has delivered a blunt message to startup founders in the AI space: simply using AI is no longer impressive to investors.

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In a recent LinkedIn post, Korner criticized startups for leading their pitches with phrases like “We use AI to…”, arguing that doing so emphasizes the tool over the outcome.

“Nobody cares that you're using AI...AI is not a moat. It’s not a business model. It’s not what makes you unique,” he wrote. “Everyone has access to the same APIs, the same models, and the same buzzwords.”

Korner said investors are now focused on companies solving high-value, urgent problems with real customer obsession and execution.

“What sets you apart is how well you understand the problem, how obsessed you are with your customers, and how fast you can iterate when things go wrong,” he wrote, adding that “real traction beats a flashy demo every single time.”

“Here’s the tough truth,” he said. “Nobody’s throwing money at ‘AI startups’ anymore. But if you’re building something people can’t live without and AI just happens to make it better now you’ve got my attention.”

Netizens reaction

Korner's post quickly went viral, garnering over 4,000 reactions and over 500 comments, with many users applauding the blunt message.

“The value is never in the algorithm; it's in the outcome it produces for a customer. This principle is the foundation of any AI initiative that hopes to succeed. Thanks for sharing this,” a user wrote.

“True that. The only difference is the value, outcome created and how accurate, fast, unbiased the outcome is and if it can measured against real-world impacts, diverse data and importantly personalized data. For a investor, ROI becomes important,” another said.

“Finally someone is saying this, but trust there is going to be an AI bubble soon. Which might lead to an AI winter,” a third expressed.

“Love this. “I invest in execution, obsession, and real pain killers.” A perfect blueprint for tomorrow’s top organizations,” a fourth added.