Distribution and Deployment Matter More Than Building the Right Thing.
From Merriam-Webster - Distribute: to divide among several or many, Deploy: to spread out, utilize, or arrange for a deliberate purpose
This was not written or embellished with any form of AI - straight from my head to your eyes.
This is not a novel opinion but is one I feel very strongly about. In a world where everyone’s selling AI picks & shovels, and anyone can build anything with LLMs, what matters?
The cost of building digital solutions has plummeted with the advent of AI. Additionally, F500 business leaders are more willing than ever to take on technological risk by investing time and money in AI solutions that can better their organizations.
AI Solution Providers (startups, consultancies, product companies) who have greater speed, visibility, trust and brand recognition with their customers will win first. With a greater distribution moat, these providers can beat incumbents in the crowded services market that exists today.
That said, business leaders can and will just as easily switch platforms and tools if a better product and deployment process is offered to them. The AI providers that continue deploying, iterating, and evolving their solutions for customers will be the ones that win long-term.
Though distribution and relationship moats allow for early wins, it’s the iterative deployment that enables individual “AI companies” to win going forward.