- Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath says artificial intelligence has become a basic expectation for startups and warns founders that leading investor pitches with generic AI claims may do more harm than good.
- Kamath argued that AI has evolved from being a unique advantage to a basic expectation for modern businesses.
- He described AI as “table stakes”, suggesting it is now a standard requirement rather than a factor that sets one startup apart from another.
- Kamath wrote, “Bragging that your product uses AI is like bragging that you take a bath every day,” adding that “It’s not a differentiator.”
- The chief also cautioned founders against opening their pitches with generic AI-focused messaging.
- He noted that investors review countless presentations and are increasingly looking for strong business fundamentals, clear market opportunities, and genuine innovation rather than broad claims about technology adoption.
- Kamath warned that since AI has democratized the ability to generate nice-looking decks, founders should avoid saying “the exact same generic things as every other founder using the exact same tools.”
Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath has sparked a significant discussion regarding the use of artificial intelligence in startup pitches, emphasizing that it has transitioned from a unique selling point to a mere expectation.1
Kamath stated, "The number of investment decks I get leading with 'we use AI' is ridiculous," adding that such claims have become so common that they often elicit an eye roll from investors.
He elaborated, "AI is just table stakes now," indicating that it no longer differentiates a startup in a crowded market. Instead, he encourages founders to focus on strong business fundamentals and genuine innovation rather than generic technology claims.6
Kamath cautioned that as AI tools have become widely accessible, many pitches sound alike, which can undermine a founder's credibility. He remarked, "Especially now that AI has democratized the ability to generate nice-looking decks, the last thing you want to do is say the exact same generic things as every other founder using the exact same tools," highlighting the need for originality in presentations.7
The conversation has resonated with many in the startup community, with one user noting, "Honestly, 'we use AI' is starting to feel like saying 'we have a website'." Another commented, "So the bubble finally burst. Hopefully I hear less AI AI in future." Kamath's insights reflect a growing sentiment that the focus should be on solving real problems rather than relying on buzzwords.
"The goal of a startup should be to first solve a problem. AI is just a tool," he concluded, urging founders to use AI effectively rather than as a crutch.
“Kamath noted that investors review countless presentations and increasingly look for strong business fundamentals, clear market opportunities, and genuine innovation. He warned that AI has democratized deck creation, so founders should avoid saying the exact same generic things as every other founder using the same tools.”
