We Can't Predict the Future Anymore

We Can't Predict the Future Anymore

Author: Startups.com February 9, 2026 Duration: 37:36

Is AI truly the game-changer for startups, or does it bring unexpected chaos? This episode dives into how AI is transforming forecasting, marketing, product development, employment, and investment in the startup ecosystem. Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter discuss the rapid pace of change brought by AI, including the exciting opportunities and the unsettling uncertainties. They explore how traditional pillars of business like hiring, marketing, and customer acquisition are being upended, creating both new challenges and avenues for innovative founders to thrive. Tune in to understand how to navigate this AI-driven landscape and leverage the chaos for maximum impact.

Resources:
Startup Therapy Podcast
https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapy
Website
https://www.startups.com/begin
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/

Join our Network of Top Founders
Wil Schroter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/
Ryan Rutan
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

What to listen for:
00:00 Introduction and Future Predictions
00:49 The Impact of AI on Business Models
02:06 AI's Rapid Advancement and Market Disruption
04:17 Challenges in Marketing and Content Creation
10:04 Hiring and Talent Management in the AI Era
15:18 Product Development and Market Relevance
17:04 Industries Vanishing Overnight
17:32 The Accelerating Pace of Change
18:20 Investment in the Age of AI
19:07 The Future of Startup Funding
22:31 The Shrinking Moat of AI
24:54 Compounding Anxiety in the Startup Ecosystem
33:37 Founders: Built for Chaos
35:53 Embracing the Problem Business


Building a company is far more chaotic and personal than any business school case study lets on. Startup Therapy from Startups.com digs into that reality, moving past polished success stories to focus on the raw, unvarnished journey. Hosts Wil Schroter and Ryan Rutan, who have each navigated these trenches themselves, lead conversations that feel more like essential conversations between founders than a standard interview show. They tackle the specific pressures that come with trying to transform an idea into something meaningful-the financial strain, the team dynamics, the personal sacrifices, and the frequent moments of doubt that rarely make the keynote speech. This podcast operates on a simple premise: the best guidance comes from those who have been there, not from abstract theory. Each episode is a candid session, dissecting the professional hurdles and the intense emotional toll that founders manage daily. You’ll hear direct talk about fundraising fails, partnership conflicts, burnout, and the small victories that keep everything moving forward. It’s a resource for anyone in the thick of building something, offering practical perspectives and a sense of shared experience when the path gets especially tough. The dialogue is straightforward and focused on actionable insight, providing a genuine look at the resilience required to change the world, one startup at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Startup Therapy
Podcast Episodes
This is WHY More Money Means MORE Problems [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:01
Why sometimes, less is more? Ryan Rutan and Will Schroeder discuss the misconception that reaching revenue milestones in startups will solve all problems. Explore how each milestone brings new challenges, why growing lia…
Committees are Where Progress Goes to Die [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:28
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, we discuss the inefficiencies and dangers of making decisions by committee. Why committees often fail and why founders should avoid relying on them for critical decisions.…
Giving Up Equity? Press Pause First [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:54
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, we talk about equity distribution in startups. Explore the psychological traps of seeking validation, the dangers of making hasty decisions when most vulnerable, and offer…
Why Do 99% of Founders Suck at Asking for Help? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:42
In this insightful episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter discuss the importance of asking questions as a startup founder.Why founders often hesitate to seek advice, the untapped wealth of kn…
The Value of Actually Getting Paid (Avoid This Big Danger) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:28
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter, discuss the misconception that startup founders are incredibly wealthy on paper, while in reality, many struggle with personal financial stabil…
Will Investors Bail Me Out? Brutal Truth About Startup Investments [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:29
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter talk about sacrifices founders make — accumulating debt and foregone salaries, with the expectation of being reimbursed. They discuss how…
Is the problem the Player or the Coach? Team Building Hacks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:10
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter delve into evaluating startup team and management performance. Find out the importance of constant evaluation, highlighting the significan…
Do people really want me to succeed? Founders vs World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:14
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter explore the harsh reality of seeking support as a founder. Surprising, limited number of people who genuinely want to see a founder succee…
You only THINK you work HARD — The Hard Work Illusion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:38
In this episode of the Startup Therapy podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter talk about the common misconception around 'working hard' within startups. They question the measurement of hard work, arguing that effort…
SMALL is the New Big - Embracing Efficiency in the Age of AI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:59
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter discuss the evolution of startups from the emphasis on scaling and headcount to prioritizing efficiency and output, largely due to advance…