The Tech Battle Heats Up: Insights from Silicon Valley

In the midst of the ongoing tech wars, a visit to Silicon Valley offers invaluable insights into the heart of the AI revolution. Here’s a firsthand account of my recent experiences and observations from the epicenter of technological innovation.

The Shift Towards Startups

During my visit to Silicon Valley, I had the opportunity to interact with numerous tech companies, startups, and entrepreneurs. One key takeaway is the significant shift in the US tech development landscape. Traditionally, large corporations have dominated the tech scene, but in recent years, the focus has gradually moved towards smaller startups. This transformation can be traced back to the Bayh-Dole Act of the 1980s, which empowered startups and has since had a profound impact on the global tech industry. Chinese tech companies have also played an active role in this trend, laying a solid foundation for the development of China’s tech sector. It is crucial for startups in both China and the US to collaborate and drive innovation in the tech industry.

The Rise of AI-Native Applications

At this year’s CES, we observed the emergence of AI-native applications, which are applications that would be nearly impossible to achieve without AI. These applications showcase the potential of AI to not only enhance existing processes but also create entirely new ones. Moreover, AI is poised to partially replace human labor, improving efficiency and accuracy. However, this trend is not just about technology; it also represents a significant shift in management practices. Designing workflows in the AI era requires a clear definition of requirements and tasks, posing significant challenges to human resource management and product management roles.

The Importance of Evolutionary Speed

NVIDIA’s concept of “ACCEVOLUTION” (accelerated evolution) at CES highlights the essence of the AI era. In this rapidly evolving landscape, the speed of evolution is the key to building competitive barriers. While “network effects” and “data flywheels” were important metrics in the internet and mobile internet eras, the rapid development and iteration of AI technology make it difficult for any company to maintain a long-term lead based on a single advantage. Instead, companies that can quickly adapt to market changes and continuously innovate will thrive in the AI era. This evolutionary capability is reflected not only in technological iterations but also in the organizational structure and culture of enterprises. To maintain a market advantage, companies must continuously upgrade their technologies, optimize products based on AI characteristics, and transform business processes.

Future Entrepreneurial Directions

The significance of the current AI wave lies not only in technological upgrades but also in the paradigm shift it brings to society. This paradigm shift inherits the principles of the Industrial Revolution, which focused on large-scale production to reduce costs and improve efficiency, and extends this approach from the product domain to the service domain. Unlike products, which involve a one-time sale, services are an ongoing process that emphasizes user stickiness and long-term relationships. In the AI era, enterprises must provide more personalized, expert-level, continuous, and inclusive services to meet market demands. For example, in the health management field, AI technology can be used to provide users with personalized health monitoring and consulting services, ensuring both professionalism and continuity. Focusing on widespread, unmet social needs is crucial. By covering a large population, companies can quickly obtain vast amounts of data and service experience, enabling their own evolution and achieving commercial success while allowing the public to enjoy the benefits of technological progress.

The Power of Face-to-Face Exchange

During my visit, I deeply appreciated the importance of face-to-face interactions. Only through direct communication with entrepreneurs can we spark new ideas and催生 (catalyze) new applications and business models that have the potential to change the world.

So, if you want to change the world, now is the time to act. The AI era is here, and the opportunities are endless for those who are willing to embrace innovation and take bold steps forward.