AI is a platform shift unlike any other, with far-reaching implications for every startup.

In my recent webinar with the Founder’s Bay community in Silicon Valley, hosted by Mariane Bekker, I explored why AI should be the core focus for founders aiming to build scalable, high-impact companies.

Key takeaways:

• there’s hardly an application that AI can’t improve

• AI startups are exiting faster—7 years on average vs. 13 for others

• building in AI is your best shot at hitting $100M ARR

• it’s not a zero-sum market—horizontal and vertical plays can both win

• focus on solving high-value problems using AI to attract funding and top-tier talent

In this episode, I share my views on how you could build a leading AI startup that attracts funding, customers, and talent in 2025.

Connect with us here:

1. George Bandarian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgebandarian/

2. Untapped Ventures: https://www.linkedin.com/company/untappedventures/

00:00 Trailer

03:19 Introduction

05:53 State of AI

11:55 Ideation

15:48 Agentic AI

26:32 Validation

29:06 Traction

31:48 Recruiting

33:00 Fundraising

35:28 Value-add

37:15 Takeaways


39:01 Q&A

55:28 Outro