The Future of Artificial Intelligence: Predicting the Survival Rate of Companies Amidst the Hype

In the midst of the fervor surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and the substantial influx of investment into the sector, Eric Demuth, the CEO of trading platform Bitpanda, has made a prediction. He believes that only a small fraction of the companies capitalizing on the AI hype will survive in the long run. Drawing parallels to previous hype cycles, such as the blockchain and NFT booms, Demuth suggests that the end of the AI boom will bring about a significant consolidation in the sector, with only around 2% or even fewer companies emerging successfully. Despite this bearish outlook, Bitpanda, a company co-founded by Demuth, is actively working on its own AI projects and has recently established a $10 million division dedicated to AI technology. The division is focused on developing AI-powered products, including customized investing features and a personalized wealth manager for the Bitpanda platform.

Bitpanda's AI Endeavors:

Bitpanda has been involved in AI development for quite some time, primarily for internal operations such as fraud prevention. Demuth acknowledges the effectiveness of these tools and the successful implementation of internally-built solutions. Now, Bitpanda is ready to venture into AI offerings for retail customers. The company recognizes the opportunity to tap into the potential of AI and provide AI-powered products to its users.

The Perfect Timing for Financial Innovation:

Demuth highlights that when tech hype cycles begin to fade, it presents an ideal opportunity for serious players to build and innovate. Drawing a parallel to the crypto market, he suggests that the current lull in the industry allows for banks and other financial institutions to catch up with financial innovation. This downtime offers a chance to integrate and build new technologies without the pressure of immediate demand. Demuth emphasizes that building during the peak of demand is already too late. Now, with the introduction of the EU's landmark crypto bill and increased regulatory clarity in other jurisdictions, larger banks are also starting to explore the possibilities of crypto services.

Bitpanda's Partnership with Coinbase:

Earlier this year, Bitpanda announced a partnership with Coinbase to offer institutions a back-end solution that facilitates the provision of crypto services to their customers. This collaboration allows Bitpanda to expand its reach and provide a comprehensive solution for institutional clients looking to enter the crypto market.

In conclusion, while Eric Demuth predicts that only a small fraction of AI-focused companies will succeed in the long run, Bitpanda is actively working on its own AI projects. The company's dedicated AI division is focused on developing AI-powered products for its retail customers. Moreover, Demuth believes that the current lull in the crypto market presents an opportune moment for banks and financial institutions to catch up with financial innovation, which is further facilitated by regulatory advancements. Bitpanda's partnership with Coinbase demonstrates its commitment to expanding its offerings and providing comprehensive solutions to institutional clients.