Think Saying “We Use AI” Will Impress Investors? Think Again.
If you’re a startup founder banking on artificial intelligence to wow investors, you might want to rethink your pitch. US angel investor Roy Korner just delivered a brutal reality check to AI-driven startups — and it’s going viral.
In a no-nonsense LinkedIn post, Korner slammed the growing number of companies leading with statements like “We use AI to…”, calling it a lazy and meaningless opener in today’s investor landscape.
“Nobody cares that you’re using AI… It’s not a moat. It’s not a business model. It’s not what makes you unique,” Korner wrote.
AI Isn’t the Secret Sauce Anymore — Everyone Has It
Korner didn’t hold back. He pointed out that every startup now has access to the same tools, APIs, and AI models. Translation? Using AI doesn’t make your product special — it’s just table stakes.
If your whole pitch rests on the fact that you’re using artificial intelligence, you’re already behind. What investors really care about is whether you’re solving a painful, urgent problem — and doing it better than anyone else.
The Real Reason Startups Are Getting Ignored
Korner’s blunt advice to founders: ditch the buzzwords and start focusing on the stuff that actually matters — like product-market fit, execution, and customer obsession.
He emphasized that startups that win today are those that lead with the problem, not the tool. In his words: “Outcomes matter. Tech doesn’t.”
Bottom Line: No One’s Buying the AI Hype Anymore
If you’re just “using AI” and hoping it’ll carry your pitch, Korner’s message is clear — it won’t. Investors are no longer starstruck by technology for technology’s sake. They want real impact, real customers, and real value.
So unless your product solves something urgent — you’re just another startup with a fancy API.
