To Generate or not To Generate, That is the Prompt: Implications of Generative AI Upon Startups Heavily Reliant on Software Development

Sammanfattning

The rapid consumer adoption of generative AI tools, like ChatGPT's achievement of 100 million active users within two months of release, underscores the swift impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This Bachelor's thesis investigates the profound impact of generative AI on startups heavily engaged in software development. Adopting a qualitative methodology and an abductive approach, we utilize semi-structured interviews with key respondents such as Co-founders from various startups to probe the integration and effects of generative AI tools. These discussions reveal that generative AI significantly improves efficiency in software development tasks, leading to accelerated iteration cycles and alterations in team dynamics and project management. A key finding of our thesis is that generative AI streamlines operations through increased productivity but also reduces prevalent startup risks of failure. The study shows that generative AI has significant implications for human capital management within startups, highlighting a shift towards skills that complement AI capabilities, such as adaptability and continuous learning. This thesis addresses the complexities and dynamic nature of technology-driven business environments by incorporating insights gained from generative AI applications. This enhancement aids startups in strategically integrating AI into their core operations and decision-making processes. As such we provide practical insights for Co-founders and entrepreneurs, facilitating more informed decisions about AI adoption and integration. The research also outlines key considerations for future studies, suggesting a broader examination of generative AI's long-term impacts across diverse industries and business models.