AI Startups Must Adapt to Secure Investment, Say Experts

AI business owners must embrace a forward-thinking mindset and adaptability to successfully attract investments, experts emphasized at Ai Everything Global 2025. Held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), the event featured insightful discussions, including a venture capitalist sharing his decision to invest in Elon Musk’s AI company xAI.

As the world’s leading AI event, Ai Everything Global 2025, organized by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in affiliation with GITEX GLOBAL, focused on the latest AI innovations and the transformative changes shaping the industry. AI investments were a key topic, with discussions highlighting the future of AI and its impact across various sectors. The event also hosted the world’s top Investor Programme, drawing over 150 venture capitalists, family offices, corporate venture capitalists, funds, accelerators, and angel investors managing more than $70 billion in assets. Investors participated in targeted meetings with 250 AI-driven startups, identifying high-potential businesses aligned with their investment strategies.

Venture capitalist Igor Ryabenkiy, Managing Partner at AltaIR Capital and an early investor in unicorns like PandaDoc, Miro, OpenWeb, Deel, and Turing, shared insights from his two decades of experience. Having worked with over 350 tech startups, including nine that reached billion-dollar valuations, he stressed that AI entrepreneurs must showcase both an innovative product and a clear vision for the future. He emphasized that adaptability, deep product knowledge, and strategic planning are essential for attracting investment. He noted that while a strong product is crucial, thinking outside the box and understanding market dynamics can significantly improve funding prospects.

Kevin Jiang, Chief Investment Officer and Co-Founder of Mangusta Capital, discussed his firm’s investment in Elon Musk’s xAI, highlighting AI’s transformative role in automation and decision-making. He explained that AI infrastructure attracts billions of dollars, but AI applications are just as critical. He shared that securing an early investment in xAI was a strategic move, given Musk’s unique ecosystem and data access, which create a competitive advantage. He described investing in Musk’s AI venture as a “no-brainer,” given the company’s potential to drive significant advancements in AI-powered innovation.

Ai Everything Global 2025 concluded with high-impact discussions and groundbreaking AI solutions, reinforcing the industry’s rapid evolution. The event highlighted AI’s growing influence across industries and the critical role of strategic investment in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.