Guy Leon Sheetrit, Founder & CEO of Guac Digital and Betterweb AI, specializes in digital growth, website optimization, and innovation.
We’re living through the most transformative shift in entrepreneurship since the internet went mainstream. In my work building digital businesses, I’ve seen how artificial intelligence doesn’t just improve efficiency; it redefines what’s possible. Teams of one or two people can now achieve outcomes that once required dozens of employees and millions in capital. The barrier to building something big has never been lower for those who know how to leverage AI strategically.
One powerful example is Base44, a “vibe-coding” software platform acquired by Wix for $80 million. Built with only eight people, the company grew to 250,000 users in just six months. This shows how lean, AI-native startups can build rapid momentum.
Another standout is Cohere, a Canadian startup competing in the large language model space. Instead of trying to match big tech’s resources, the company focuses on specialized models. Its approach has attracted strategic partnerships and positioned it as a viable competitor to giants like OpenAI and Anthropic.
These are not isolated success stories; they reflect a broader shift. The old model of building businesses with massive funding rounds and large teams is being replaced by a new playbook: Use AI to scale smarter, not bigger.
From AI Users To AI Conductors: A New Mindset
Most people think of AI as a set of tools, but the real power lies in orchestrating AI across entire workflows. Think of yourself as a conductor, not just a user. The goal isn’t just to use AI—it’s to build AI-powered systems that multiply output and reduce friction. Here’s how to get started:
• Redesign workflows. Break down your business into steps. Identify repetitive tasks that take time but add limited value. From customer support to reporting, and marketing to content creation, AI can handle more than you think.
• Stack tools by outcome. Combine task-specific tools (like ChatGPT for writing, Midjourney for visuals, ElevenLabs for voice, Notion for project work) into a cohesive system using tools like Zapier, Make or custom APIs.
• Empower your team. Train team members not just on tools, but on prompt writing, system thinking and workflow design. Build an internal AI playbook so everyone operates with clarity and creativity.
• Move fast, and test constantly. AI changes quickly. Create a culture of experimentation. Run weekly test sprints with different AI setups and compare outputs. What saves time? What maintains quality?
How To Scale An AI-Driven Operation
Running lean with AI is a huge advantage, but it comes with growing pains. Here are three practical ways to scale without losing your edge:
1. Codify systems early. Document processes, create standard operating procedures and build internal dashboards. If it works, make it repeatable before you need to hire.
2. Hire operators, not placeholders. Look for people who enhance systems, not just follow instructions. You need people who understand automation and AI thinking.
3. Plan for oversight. Human-in-the-loop processes are key. AI can do the heavy lifting, but ensure someone reviews client-facing work, checks key decisions and flags inaccuracies. It’s about balance, not blind trust.
The Competitive Landscape Is Shifting Fast
According to McKinsey, AI could deliver up to $4.4 trillion in economic benefits annually. But what’s standing in the way of more companies using it to get results?
From what I’ve seen, most are trying to plug AI into legacy systems without rethinking how work gets done. The real winners are those who build for AI from the start.
For entrepreneurs, the opportunity is immense. You no longer need a huge team, venture capital or traditional infrastructure to launch a successful company. You need clarity of purpose, a problem worth solving and the ability to orchestrate powerful AI systems.
The Future Is Already Here
Many in the business world are wondering: When will we see the first one-person billion-dollar company? With the rise of AI, that future may be closer than we think. The question is no longer “Can this be done?” but rather “Are you willing to work in a new way?”
AI isn’t about replacing humans. It’s about amplifying what we can do. The best entrepreneurs in the AI era won’t just use tools—they’ll design systems, train teams and move with agility. The future belongs to the builders who treat AI not as a shortcut, but as a new foundation.
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