Bill Gates established Microsoft as a technology giant by focusing on software. But if he was starting the company today, he would choose a different path.
In a recent conversation with CNBC, Gates said that if he were to do it all over again, he would focus on artificial intelligence.
“Today, somebody could raise billions of dollars for a new AI company [that’s just] a few sketch ideas,” Gates shared.
Gates also laid out his plan for a hypothetical scenario. If he had enough capital, he would build a company that could challenge the AI giants like Nvidia, Google, or ChatGPT maker OpenAI. If not, he would look to tap into some unique aspects of AI and focus on employing artificial intelligence in a way that hasn’t been done before.
“I was lucky that my belief in software made me unique,” Gates explained. “ … Just believing in AI, that’s not very unique. So I would have to develop some unique view of how you design AI systems — something that other people didn’t get.”
Gates also had advice for young entrepreneurs who are looking to make their mark in AI. Instead of trying to compete with giants of the industry, they should think about ways the artificial technology could help businesses grow or improve everyday life.