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Saved February 14, 2026
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The article discusses how AI is accelerating the adoption of industry standards, allowing companies to become the default choice in less than two years. It emphasizes the importance of securing influential clients and crafting a compelling narrative to gain market credibility.
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Angela Strange highlights the rapid pace at which industries are evolving, particularly under the pressure of AI adoption. She contrasts the historical slow shift toward using IBM as the default in many sectors, which took about 20 years, with the current landscape where AI can establish industry norms in under two years. Startups aiming to succeed must not only develop outstanding products but also secure influential partnerships and dominate the narrative around AI in their industry.
Strange emphasizes the importance of landing a "whale"—a significant client or partner—with real credibility. This initial win can signal to the market that it's safe to adopt the startup's solution. She gives the example of Harvey, a company that quickly gained traction by securing a notable figure in the legal industry. To build on this momentum, startups need to communicate effectively with their target audience, ensuring they are perceived as industry insiders even before they have a substantial client base.
The process she outlines is a flywheel: land a whale, build credibility, shape the narrative, then attract the next whale. Most startups struggle to balance the intense, personal effort needed to land significant clients with the ongoing marketing required to establish authority in their field. Strange argues that now is an optimal time for entrepreneurs to tackle visible problems within their industries, encouraging them to start building without needing extensive technical expertise. The window for opportunity is open, and those who act quickly can capitalize on it.
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