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What if the next wave of entrepreneurs came not from Silicon Valley, but from places you’ve never heard of?
AI is breaking down the barriers that once limited innovation, creating a world in which anyone, anywhere can become the next great entrepreneur. I’ve seen this happen before – in cities, towns and unexpected corners of the globe – and it’s nothing short of extraordinary. It’s not about billion-dollar venture capital funds or tech giants; it’s about the untapped potential of ordinary people, armed with powerful tools.
We’ve been talking about the democratization of innovation for years, but today it’s finally a reality.
The Internet and computing era has democratized information, connected the world and given rise to a digital-driven economy. But I feel like this is yesterday’s news. AI is changing who can innovate and where the most exciting companies of the future will come from.
Related: The Next Startup to Become a Billionaire Company Probably Isn’t in Silicon Valley
AI: the next chapter in the story of human innovation
As I share my keynote presentations on innovationeach industrial revolution has reshaped entrepreneurship and changed the global geography of innovation.
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The first industrial revolution Power shifted to Britain as steam and mechanization transformed production and expanded industries.
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The second industrial revolution in the United States and Germany, where electricity and mass production have redefined speed and affordability.
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The third industrial revolution saw the rise of Japan and South Korea, as computers and automation revolutionized the way businesses operated.
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The fourth industrial revolution created the world’s digital-first economy, expanding Silicon Valley’s influence and connecting billions of people and businesses in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Today we are at the dawn of the fifth industrial revolution, driven by AI, and the change is even more global. What differentiates this revolution is its ability to democratize intelligence and innovation itself. AI is not just a tool for big businesses: it empowers people around the world.
I’ve seen entrepreneurs use AI to accomplish what would have been impossible just a few months ago. A single person can now design, prototype and market a product globally from their laptop, collaborating with AI-powered virtual teams to streamline processes at unprecedented speed. With AI breaking down language barriers and predictive analytics enabling more precise pivots, entrepreneurs are no longer bound by their local context. The multiplier effect of AI amplifies every decision, making innovation scalable like never before.
This is not just another technological leap, but a redefinition of how we build organizations, solve problems and create value.
Agentic AI: The game changer we need to pay attention to
The agentic AI that is now emerging will push this change even further, and we better pay attention. Imagine entrepreneurs with entire virtual teams powered by agentic AI, working around the clock, across borders, breaking barriers of time and geography. I think agentic AI is not just about working faster or smarter; it’s about something bigger. This will help entrepreneurs make decisions and scale in unprecedented ways, allowing them to compete with larger, more established players.
Related: What You Need to Know About ‘AI Agents’ and Why We’re a Little Closer to the Jetsons
Global Change: Where Entrepreneurship Thrives
Here’s the most exciting part: The Fifth Industrial Revolution isn’t just happening in historically dominant regions: It’s emerging in Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and other once-neglected places. These regions often face more pressing problems and resource constraints, which fuel creativity and lead to transformative solutions.
I saw it with my own eyes. Entrepreneurs in Mexico City are using AI to solve local healthcare problems. Peruvian startups are innovating logistics and e-commerce with AI tools once out of reach. In Morocco, founders are using generative AI to fill education gaps. And the list goes on.
But here’s the thing: none of this happens on its own. AI is a powerful tool, but its impact depends on how we use it. The entrepreneurs who succeed in the Fifth Industrial Revolution will be those who take bold, strategic steps to adapt to this change.
How to Lead the Fifth Industrial Revolution
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Think globally, act boldly: AI erases geographic barriers. Use it to connect with customers, partners and markets far beyond your local network. The best opportunities might be on the other side of the world.
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Prepare for agentic AI: Don’t just automate tasks: use AI to identify opportunities, predict trends, and make smarter decisions. Let AI be more than a tool; let him be your partner in innovation.
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Ask “should” before “can:” Not all ideas have to become reality. Solve important problems, not just possible ones. Focus on creating value for your customers and community.
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Launch quickly, iterate faster: AI rewards speed. Prototype, test and adapt in real time. The market is your best teacher: listen to it and evolve with it.
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Invest in skills and networks: Entrepreneurs who understand the potential of AI will lead the way. Upskill yourself and your team and make connections in regions where innovation is thriving. The future belongs to those who constantly learn.
Related: 6 Ways AI Is Revolutionizing Startup Ecosystems
The next wave of innovation will not be defined by geography, capital or connections; this will be defined by ideas. AI makes the extraordinary accessible, the impossible achievable, and the local global. The question is not whether you are ready for this revolution, but whether you are ready to lead it.
