GoKawiilEntrepreneurs Urged to Own AI Outputs, Not Just Use the Tools
As generative AI adoption among small businesses surges—58% now use it, up from 23% in 2023—industry leaders including Michele Jawando of Omidyar Network say access to AI tools is no longer a differentiator. Speaking at a tech discussion, Jawando, Allison Scott of Kapor Foundation, and Katy Knight of Siegel Family Endowment argued that founders must focus on owning proprietary data and intellectual property built through AI rather than simply consuming the technology.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
With most businesses now able to access similar AI tools, the competitive edge shifts from adoption to control over unique data, models, and outputs that competitors can't replicate. This reframes how investors evaluate startups, favoring companies with defensible assets over those merely layering AI onto existing operations.
- 58% of small businesses used generative AI in 2025, up sharply from 23% in 2023
- Widespread AI access means the real advantage lies in ownership of proprietary data and IP
- Investors are increasingly prioritizing defensible business models over generic AI adoption
Source: entrepreneur.com — Kori Hale, 2026-09-09
Published there as: “Everyone Uses AI Now. The Real Advantage Is Owning What It Creates.”
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