How anyone, anywhere can start a startup in the era of artificial intelligence

What if the next wave of entrepreneurs doesn’t come from Silicon Valley, but from places you have never heard of?

Artificial intelligence is breaking down barriers that once limited innovation, creating a world where anyone, anywhere can turn out to be the next great entrepreneur. I’ve seen it occur before – in cities, villages and unexpected corners of the globe – and it’s simply extraordinary. This is not about billion-dollar enterprise capital funds or tech giants; it’s about the untapped potential of on a regular basis people armed with powerful tools.

We have been talking about the democratization of innovation for years, but now it has finally turn out to be a reality.

The era of the Internet and computers has democratized information, connected the world and given rise to an economy based on digital technology. But it looks like yesterday’s news. Artificial intelligence is changing who can innovate and where the most fun firms of the future will come from.

AI: The next chapter in the story of human innovation

As I share in my program presentations on innovationeach industrial revolution transformed entrepreneurship and modified the global geography of innovation.

• The first industrial revolution moved power to Britain as steam and mechanization transformed production and expanded the scale of industry.

• The second industrial revolution picked up in the United States and Germany, where electricity and mass production redefined speed and affordability.

• The third industrial revolution we saw the rise of Japan and South Korea as computers and automation revolutionized the way businesses operated.

• The fourth industrial revolution created a digital global economy, expanding Silicon Valley’s influence and connecting billions of people and firms in ways in which were previously unimaginable.

We are now at the dawn of the fifth industrial revolution powered by artificial intelligence, and this variation is more global. What sets this revolution apart is its ability to democratize intelligence and innovation itself. Artificial intelligence is not only a tool for large corporations – it empowers individuals in every corner of the world.

I have seen entrepreneurs using artificial intelligence to attain what would have been unimaginable just a few months ago. One person can now design, prototype and sell a product around the world from their laptop, collaborating with AI-powered virtual teams to streamline processes at unprecedented speed. With artificial intelligence breaking down language barriers and predictive analytics enabling sharper returns, entrepreneurs are not limited by local context. The multiplier effect of AI strengthens every decision, making innovation scalable like never before.

This is not one other technological leap – it’s a latest definition of how we build organizations, solve problems and create value.

Agentic AI: a game changer we’d like to concentrate to

The emerging agentic AI now will take this variation even further, and it’s higher to concentrate to it. Imagine entrepreneurs with entire virtual teams powered by agent-based artificial intelligence – working around the clock, across borders, breaking down time and geographic barriers. I imagine that agent-based AI is not only about working faster and smarter; it’s about something greater. It will help entrepreneurs make decisions and scale their businesses like never before, enabling them to compete with larger, more established players.

Global change: where entrepreneurship thrives

Here’s the exciting part: The Fifth Industrial Revolution is not just happening in historically dominant regions – it’s emerging in Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and other places once neglected. These regions often face more pressing issues and resource constraints that spark creativity and result in transformative solutions.

I saw it with my very own eyes. Entrepreneurs in Mexico are using artificial intelligence to resolve local health care problems. Startups in Peru are innovating in logistics and e-commerce with AI tools that were once out of reach. In Morocco, founders are using generative AI to handle learning gaps. The list goes on.

But the thing is, none of this just happens. Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, but its impact depends on how we use it. The entrepreneurs who will succeed in the Fifth Industrial Revolution will likely be those that take daring, strategic actions to embrace this variation.

How to steer in the fifth industrial revolution

1. Think globally, act boldly: Artificial intelligence removes geographical barriers. Use it to attach with customers, partners and markets far beyond your local network. The best opportunities could also be on the other side of the world.

2. Get ready for agent-based AI: Don’t just automate tasks – use AI to discover opportunities, predict trends and make smarter decisions. Let AI be greater than a tool; let or not it’s your partner in innovation.

3. Ask “should” before “can”: Not every idea has to turn out to be a reality. Solve problems that matter, not only people who are possible. Focus on creating value for your customers and community.

4. Run fast, iterate faster: AI rewards speed. Prototype, test and adapt in real time. The market is your best teacher – hearken to it and grow with it.

5. Invest in skills and networks: Entrepreneurs who understand the potential of artificial intelligence will likely be at the forefront. Upskill yourself and your team and build connections in regions where innovation thrives. The future belongs to those that continually learn.

The next wave of innovation won’t be defined by geography, capital or connections; it can be determined by ideas. Artificial intelligence makes the extraordinary accessible, the unimaginable achievable, and the local global. The query is not whether you are ready for this revolution – but whether you are ready to steer it.