'Shark Tank' investor Kevin O'Leary says the companies he backs are skipping consultants and going straight to AI
Kevin O'Leary of "Shark Tank" fame said the companies he backs are already using AI instead traditional consulting.
Kevin O'Leary of "Shark Tank" fame said the companies he backs are already using AI instead traditional consulting. This report comes from Business I
Read Full Story at Business Insider Mkt →Why This Matters
O'Leary’s observation signals a seismic shift in how high-growth startups optimize their operations—moving away from expensive, human-led consulting toward scalable, real-time AI solutions. This isn’t just a cost-cutting measure; it’s a fundamental redefinition of business intelligence, where agility and data-driven decision-making outpace traditional advisory models. For investors and entrepreneurs alike, the trend underscores a new era where AI isn’t just a tool but the primary engine of growth.
Background Context
The consulting industry has long been a rite of passage for scaling companies, offering strategic insights at a premium cost. However, the rise of AI-driven platforms—capable of analyzing vast datasets, simulating scenarios, and generating actionable recommendations—has eroded traditional consulting’s competitive edge. O'Leary’s portfolio companies, many in fintech and SaaS, are early adopters of this shift, leveraging AI to bypass the lag time and human bias inherent in conventional advisory.
What Happens Next
As AI tools become more sophisticated, expect a wave of consolidation among consulting firms that fail to integrate these technologies, while AI-native consultancies will emerge to fill the void. Regulatory scrutiny may intensify as AI-driven recommendations carry higher stakes, particularly in sectors like healthcare or finance. The pivot could also widen the gap between cash-rich startups and smaller businesses struggling to afford AI adoption.
Bigger Picture
This aligns with a broader democratization of expertise, where AI acts as a force multiplier for businesses that once relied on elite talent pools. The trend mirrors the disruption seen in software development, where no-code platforms reduced dependence on specialized engineers. In the long term, AI could redefine value creation itself, shifting focus from human-led strategy to machine-optimized execution.
