Most founders are building AI features nobody needs. Last week, AI Ireland founder Mark Kelly keynoted Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Connect 2026, where over 200 founders from Ireland’s top startup accelerators gathered to share what’s actually working. Between investor panels and corridor conversations, three patterns emerged about what separates AI companies gaining traction from those burning cash.
Here’s what Mark learned and what it means for your startup.
1. Solve Problems, Not Technology Puzzles
The founders getting investor attention aren’t the ones saying “we built this amazing AI model.”
They’re the ones saying “our customers were spending 6 hours a day on X, and we automated it.“
Mark noticed the impressive companies in the room use AI as a precision tool for deep, specific industry friction. They started with a problem costing real money or losing real customers. Then, and only then, they asked if AI could help.
The shift: Stop asking “where can we add AI?” Start asking “what’s the biggest frustration for our customers” Then see if AI helps.
Technology follows problems. Never the other way around.
2. Your Data Is Your Only Moat
As AI models become commoditised, every founder faces the same question: what stops a competitor from copying your product in three months?
The answer isn’t your algorithm. It’s your data.
VC’s aren’t funding your AI capabilities, they can rent those from OpenAI. They’re funding your proprietary access: the unique data you’re collecting, the domain expertise you’re capturing, the user insights nobody else has.
Mark’s observation is that “AI is your engine. Your unique data and user experience are your defensive walls.“
If you can’t articulate what makes your data special, you don’t have a business – you have a feature that bigger companies will clone.
3. Resilience Beats Algorithms
This theme came up in every conversation Mark had: the best founders are comfortable with plans changing.
AI will reshape your product roadmap every six months. New models drop. Competitor capabilities shift overnight. Customer expectations evolve faster than your sprint cycles.
Your ability to pivot – without losing your core vision – is what keeps you funded and competitive.
The truth: Being technically brilliant matters less than being adaptable. Your algorithm might be state-of-the-art today. It’ll be table stakes in six months.
What doesn’t get commoditised? Your ability to listen to customers, spot opportunities faster than competitors, and execute when others are still planning.
What This Means for Your Startup
If you’re building with AI right now, ask yourself:
- Am I solving a real problem? (Or just demonstrating technical capability?)
- What data advantage do I have? (Or am I just renting someone else’s AI?)
- Can I pivot when the market shifts? (Or am I locked into a rigid roadmap?)
The Irish founders getting traction have clear answers to all three.
The ones struggling are still figuring out question one.
Want to connect with other founders navigating AI?
Join our community events and workshops. Learn more here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is AI Ireland?
A: AI Ireland is a national, independent community helping Irish organisations understand and apply AI practically. Since 2018, we’ve connected founders, business leaders, and teams through research, events, training and industry partnerships.
Q: Who can join AI Ireland?
A: Anyone interested in practical AI implementation, from founders, CTOs, business leaders, developers and professionals exploring how AI applies to their work. We serve organisations from early-stage startups to established enterprises.
Q: Does AI Ireland offer training or workshops?
A: Yes. We provide tailored workshops, webinars and training programmes for organisations at every stage of their AI journey. From AI literacy basics to strategic implementation roadmaps, our sessions focus on immediately applicable frameworks.
Q: What are the AI Awards?
A: Since 2018, AI Ireland has hosted the annual AI Awards, celebrating real, applied AI projects across Irish business and society. The Awards recognise teams and organisations using AI to deliver measurable impact, not just promising potential.
Q: How can my organisation work with AI Ireland?
We offer several ways to engage: attend our public events and webinars, book custom training for your team, participate in our research surveys or explore speaking opportunities. Contact us to discuss what makes sense for your organisation.
Q: Is AI Ireland independent?
A: Yes. AI Ireland operates independently, focused on practical AI education and community building. We work with organisations across sectors – from startups to multinationals – without vendor bias or commercial agenda beyond helping Irish organisations succeed with AI.
Call to Action
If you’d like to delve deeper into how these trends can reshape your organisation, we would be delighted to discuss them in more detail. Invite Mark Kelly, Founder of AI Ireland, to speak at your next team meeting, conference or strategy session. We can explore practical ways to harness AI responsibly, meet sustainability goals, and navigate the evolving consumer landscape. Let’s work together to ensure Ireland remains at the vanguard of innovation in 2026 – and beyond.
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