In the AI Race, Copying Is a Losing Strategy

Launching Futurense Leadership Council, India’s own AI think tank was our big intentional step toward a much larger goal: putting India at the forefront of the AI revolution.

From a business pov, this was done after analyzing trends, identifying what's needed, and creating something that not only fills a gap but provides lasting value.?

While this was our approach, I see many businesses and entrepreneurs diving into AI without a solid plan, often imitating what’s already been done.?

I get it, the pace of technological advancements can make it tempting to jump in headfirst.?

But here’s the thing: having access to AI isn’t enough. Without a clear, intentional strategy, it’s easy to get lost. Jumping into the AI race without a long-term plan—or worse, simply copying others—isn’t sustainable. To thrive, entrepreneurs need to focus on building smart, data-driven strategies that prioritise real value creation.

Hi there, hope you all are doing great! ??

I truly believe that in the coming years, there will be two types of entrepreneurs: those who leverage AI, and those who get left behind. For those who aim to leverage AI, the key is to play the game strategically—and that’s what I’m diving into in today’s edition.

History has shown us what happens when companies fail to adapt. You already know the stories of Nokia and Yahoo. Now, we’re seeing similar struggles play out in real time.

Take Intel, for example. Once a leader in the semiconductor industry, Intel has been struggling to keep up with competitors like Nvidia, especially in the AI space. Despite initiating a turnaround plan, delays in innovation and missed AI opportunities have significantly impacted them, resulting in over a 50% drop in their stock this year and the resignation of their CEO.

These examples show that success demands a clear strategy and, at times, a complete rethink of business models. In the AI era, strategic adaptation is very important.

How entrepreneurs can lead with AI

The key challenge for businesses is figuring out how to leverage AI effectively to drive innovation and create value.

Recently, I came across some useful approaches to leveraging AI strategically, and I thought of sharing them with you all.

One framework that stood out to me is the OODA loop—Observe, Orient, Decide, Act. It’s a powerful approach to staying agile in a fast-moving world. You observe what’s happening in your market, orient your business to respond to these changes, decide on the best course of action, and act quickly. This cycle helps you adapt and make smarter moves while others are still figuring out what’s next.

Another one worth mentioning is Wardley Mapping. This helps you visualize your market, identify opportunities, and understand where AI fits into your business ecosystem. By mapping out where your industry is heading and spotting gaps, you can make smarter decisions about how and where to deploy AI.

(This article explains the framework and tool I mentioned in detail, check it out here.: https://www.upekkha.io/blog/every-enterprise-needs-an-ai-strategy-how-to-build-yours)

The Investment landscape for AI Startups

When entrepreneurs build clear strategies and deliver tangible results, it’s no surprise that investors take notice. AI’s ability to transform industries, from healthcare to finance, has made it a hotbed for funding. Startups that focus on solving niche market problems with AI are particularly well-positioned to capitalize on this momentum.

What’s interesting is how the focus of investors is evolving. Instead of backing general-purpose large language models (horizontal AI), they’re now prioritizing specialized (vertical AI) generative models that tackle specific, high-impact applications. According to EY, investment in these niche AI solutions is only set to grow, creating a prime opportunity for entrepreneurs.

This is the time to identify where AI can deliver the most value in your industry and align your strategy to meet those needs. By focusing on tangible outcomes and real-world applications, startups can not only attract funding but also lead in innovation.

Embrace AI or Risk Falling Behind

The age of AI-driven entrepreneurship is here. Those who learn to leverage AI effectively, iterate, and understand their audiences will thrive.?

I think now is the perfect time for business leaders and entrepreneurs to take a step back, think about their strategy, and ask themselves: Are you using AI to lead your industry, or just imitating what is working for others? The answer to this question could define the path forward.

So, what’s your take on this AI-driven shift? I'd love to hear your thoughts.?

Until then, stay curious and stay excited! ??

Signing Off, Raghav.?

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