The Three Questions Every Startup Should Ask Before Building AI

Hacker NoonHacker Noon
February 26, 2026 at 04:34 AM
The Three Questions Every Startup Should Ask Before Building AI

• Not all hard problems need ML—validate that adaptive learning actually solves your business problem before building.

• Start with simple models (logistic regression, XGBoost) over cutting-edge architectures; prove concept viability first.

• Data infrastructure matters as much as the model; invest in sourcing, labeling, and validation before training.

• Build feedback loops and track real-world metrics from day one; plan for retraining and model iteration.

• Calculate unit economics upfront—inference, training, and infrastructure costs must align with your business model to scale.

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