Strategic AI Insights: Key Takeaways from DENT:AI San Diego 2025

The DENT:AI San Diego 2025 startup showcase reception brought together over 200 founders, investors, and tech professionals to explore practical approaches to AI innovation. Even if you couldn’t make it to San Diego, here we’re sharing some actionable insights for organizations navigating the AI landscape from our expert speakers.

Rethink AI Adoption and Investment Strategies

Curt Jacobsen (McKinsey and Company) led a discussion with Mel Lim (Chateauz) and Manish Sirdeshmukh (Qualcomm) that highlighted key implementation approaches:

  • Assess whether your organization is built for 2x or 10x growth — this determines risk tolerance and AI adoption strategy

  • Focus on developing both technical AI skills and human capabilities

  • Start AI training now — teams with AI knowledge will replace those without

  • Use AI to eliminate routine tasks, freeing time for higher-value work

Adapt to the New AI Startup Landscape

Andy White revealed how the AI startup ecosystem has evolved:

  • Move beyond simple API wrapping - focus on novel applications that solve specific problems

  • Consider alternative funding approaches as traditional 10-13 year VC timelines shift

  • Look for opportunities in highly sensitive enterprise data rather than public datasets

  • Target smaller, focused deals that can generate meaningful returns without requiring traditional exits

Build Innovation-Ready Culture

Charlene Li provided a framework for fostering AI innovation:

  • Replace “empowerment” with “agency” — encourage action without permission

  • Implement the SBI (Situation, Behavior, Impact) feedback model (more info here)

  • Create processes for productive disagreement

  • Ensure teams understand:

    • Future customer vision

    • Strategy to achieve it

    • Their role in execution

Choose Your Ecosystem Carefully

Aaron Fulkerson (Opaque Systems) and Cheryl K. Goodman (FindGood.tech, AskTuring.ai) discussed San Diego's distinct advantages:

  • Access to senior talent seeking alternatives to Silicon Valley’s always-on culture

  • Opportunities for meaningful collaboration without constant pitch pressure

  • Growing community of AI-focused events and connections

  • Strong technical foundation from established companies like Qualcomm

Next Steps: Join Us at Dent 2025

For over a decade, Dent the Future has brought together curious, adventurous professionals to explore new approaches to thinking and breakthrough ideas. Continue these conversations at our annual conference in Santa Fe this September, where thought leaders and innovators gather to "dent the future."

Beyond AI, you'll engage with diverse perspectives on technology, innovation, and leadership while building meaningful connections in an intimate setting. Past Dent conferences have catalyzed new ventures, partnerships, and ways of thinking — all that have truly made a dent in the universe.

Join us at Dent 2025 in Santa Fe this September. Space is limited to ensure meaningful interactions.

Learn more and get your invitation at dentthefuture.com/conference

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