Artificial intelligence attracts billions of euros in investments each year. However, many entrepreneurs hesitate to get started, wrongly thinking that the creation of a startup startup around artificial intelligence imperatively requires advanced technical background. In reality, opportunities are not limited to programming experts. With a clear vision, a methodical approach and the right partners, it is quite possible to build a business around AI without writing a single line of code.
Identify a problem before thinking about technology
The main error of beginner entrepreneurs in the field of AI is to want to develop technology before having identified a real market need. However, the most efficient startups do not start with algorithm, but with a concrete problem to solve.
The first step is therefore to identify a sector where AI can provide real added value: automation of administrative tasks, personalization of services, improvement of diagnostics … The important thing is to analyze a market and understand how artificial intelligence can respond to specific customer pain.
Find the right tools and platforms without code
Today, it is possible to integrate AI solutions into a startup without having development skills. Many platforms offer turnkey tools that make it possible to exploit the power of the AI without touching the code. Services like Openai, Google Vertex AI or Hugging Face offer accessible APIs, allowing to integrate automatic learning models in an application or web service in a few clicks. No-Code and Low-Code have become major allies of non-technical entrepreneurs: tools like Bubble, Make (ex-integromat) or Zapier allow you to create automated applications without programming.
JUNTO, a French agency specializing in digital advertising, already exploiting AI solutions without its founders needing to code themselves. The company uses machine learning algorithms to optimize its advertising campaigns, based on solutions developed by third parties.
The main thing is to understand how artificial intelligence works and to learn to exploit these tools, rather than trying to develop it yourself.
Surround yourself with good technical talents
If an entrepreneur can launch an AI startup without being a developer, he will at some point have to rely on technical profiles to structure his project. The objective is not to master the code, but to know how to recruit and manage a specialized team.
Two strategies are possible: associate with a CTO (Chief Technology Officer) or outsource development. Many French startups, such as Payfit or Qonto, started based on freelance developers before constituting their own technical teams. In reality, a good entrepreneur in AI does not need to code, but he must know how to ask the right questions to engineers and understand the challenges of development.
Platforms like Malt or Comet allow you to find IA experts available on a temporary mission. The ideal is to work with a developer or a data scientist from the first phases of the project to validate the technical feasibility and avoid expensive errors.
Raise funds and convince without technical expertise
One of the biggest challenges in IA startups is to attract investors. Contrary to popular belief, venture capital funds do not only finance the projects carried out by engineers. What matters above all is market vision, growth potential and founder’s ability to execute its plan.
To convince without technical expertise, you have to be able to explain the use of AI in a simple and concrete way, focusing on profits rather than on technology itself. An effective product demonstration and a clear business model will always have more impact than an overly technical discourse.
A striking example is that of Dataiku, a French unicorn specializing in data analysis and AI. Its founders, although technical, have seduced investors not by highlighting their development skills, but by demonstrating the added value of their solution for companies.
