In the fast-moving world of startups, everyone wants to use artificial intelligence (AI) to build the next big thing. But Thomas Dohmke, the CEO of GitHub, a popular platform for software developers, has a warning for Indian startups chasing the AI dream: AI alone won’t make you successful.
Speaking at the VivaTech conference in Paris, Dohmke shared a simple but powerful message. He said startups that rely only on AI tools, like coding assistants, are not likely to impress big investors or grow into strong companies. “A startup built only with AI coding tools doesn’t have much value,” he told the audience. His words are a wake-up call for young entrepreneurs in India, where AI is creating a lot of excitement.
Why AI Alone Isn’t Enough
Dohmke believes AI is a fantastic tool for developers. It can help them write code faster, fix errors, and create apps more easily. For example, GitHub’s own AI tool, Copilot, is used by millions to speed up coding. But Dohmke says that depending only on AI to build a startup is a mistake. “AI is like a super-smart assistant,” he explained. “It can help you, but it can’t replace a good idea, a strong team, or a clear plan.”
Many Indian startups are jumping into AI, hoping it will make their apps or products stand out. But Dohmke warns that investors, like venture capitalists, want more than just AI-powered code. They look for startups with a unique vision, a product that solves real problems, and a team that can grow the business. Without these, even the best AI tools won’t help a startup succeed.
The Indian Startup Scene
In India, the startup world is booming. Cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune are home to thousands of young companies building everything from food delivery apps to healthcare solutions. Many of these startups are using AI to stand out in a crowded market. But Dohmke’s advice is clear: AI is only a tool, not the whole plan.
For example, a startup might use AI to build a chatbot for customer service. But if the chatbot doesn’t solve a real problem or if the company doesn’t know how to reach customers, it won’t succeed. Dohmke says startups need to focus on understanding their customers and creating products that people truly need.
What Successful Startups Do Differently
Dohmke believes the smartest companies use AI to make their teams stronger, not to replace them. Instead of cutting jobs, these companies hire more developers to take advantage of AI’s speed. “AI makes developers more productive, so companies that use it well will need more coders, not fewer,” he said. This is good news for India’s young engineers, as it means more job opportunities in tech.
Successful startups also have a clear plan for growth. They know who their customers are, how to market their product, and how to keep improving. AI can help with coding, but it can’t decide your business strategy or build a loyal customer base.
Advice for Indian Entrepreneurs
For Indian startup founders, Dohmke’s message is simple: don’t let AI be your only focus. Use it as a tool to build better products, but spend more time on your big idea and your team. “Think about what makes your startup special,” Dohmke said. “AI can help you build it, but it’s your vision that will make investors and customers excited.”
He also encourages young entrepreneurs to learn from failure. Many startups fail because they don’t plan well or understand their market. Instead of chasing the latest AI trend, focus on solving real problems for real people. For example, an Indian startup could use AI to create affordable farming tools for rural farmers or improve online education for students in small towns. These ideas, combined with AI, could make a big impact.
Looking Ahead
As AI grows, Indian startups have a huge opportunity to shine. With a young, tech-savvy population and a strong pool of engineers, India is well-placed to lead in AI innovation. But Dohmke’s advice reminds us that success comes from more than just technology. It comes from creativity, hard work, and a clear plan.
So, if you’re an Indian entrepreneur dreaming of building the next big startup, listen to Thomas Dohmke. Use AI to boost your work, but make sure your idea, your team, and your strategy are just as strong. That’s the secret to turning your startup into a success story.
Last Updated on: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 6:48 pm by M.Deepak Reddy | Published by: M.Deepak Reddy on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 6:48 pm | News Categories: Business, Startup
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