‘Biggest scam ever in the world’: Nithin Kamath asks startup founders not to brag about AI; social media reacts
Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath criticizes startup founders for bragging about AI usage, likening it to boasting about daily hygiene.
Intelligence analysis by Llama 3.3 70B

Kamath argues that AI is no longer a differentiator and that founders should focus on what their product can do that others cannot.
Imagine you're trying to impress someone with your new toy, but everyone else has the same toy. That's what's happening with AI in startups, and Nithin Kamath is saying that it's not impressive anymore.
Analysis
Nithin Kamath's Critique of AI Claims
Nithin Kamath, CEO of Zerodha, has sparked a debate on social media by criticizing startup founders for bragging about their use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). According to Kamath, the phrase 'we use AI' has become a cliché and no longer impresses investors. Instead, he argues that founders should focus on what their product can do that others cannot, rather than relying on buzzwords.
The Democratization of AI
Kamath's comments come at a time when AI has become increasingly democratized, with many tools and platforms available for startups to leverage. However, this has also led to a proliferation of generic and unoriginal pitches, with many founders relying on the same buzzwords and phrases. Kamath's critique is a call to action for founders to move beyond the hype and focus on creating real value for their customers.
Social Media Reaction
The reaction to Kamath's comments on social media has been mixed, with some users agreeing that the AI hype has gone too far, while others have defended the use of AI as a legitimate differentiator. Some have also questioned whether Kamath's dismissiveness might lead to overlooking genuinely strong pitches. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between substance and hype in the startup world, and the need for founders to balance their enthusiasm for new technologies with a focus on creating real value.
Key points
- Nithin Kamath criticizes startup founders for bragging about AI usage
- AI is no longer a differentiator, according to Kamath
- Founders should focus on what their product can do that others cannot
If startup founders take Kamath's advice to heart, we could see a shift towards more substance-driven pitches and a greater focus on creating real value for customers. This could lead to more sustainable and successful startups in the long run.
On the other hand, if founders continue to rely on AI hype, we could see a bubble burst, leading to a wave of failed startups and disappointed investors. This could damage the reputation of the startup ecosystem and make it harder for genuinely innovative companies to get funding.


