Foundational Technologies
3 conversational turns exploring this topic
Q: What foundational technologies power modern AI systems?
Subject: The REAL Foundations of AI (It's Not What You Think) - Ins7ghts
Hey Data Pros,
Forget the hype about fancy new algorithms. The dirty secret of AI is that its power rests on technologies that are about as glamorous as plumbing. Without solid data foundations, your AI initiatives are doomed to fail, no matter how many GPUs you throw at them.
This week's analysis of 1,800 articles reveals a stark truth: while everyone's chasing the shiny object of generative AI, the real foundational technologies are being neglected. We're talking about the unsexy work of data integration, data management, and data security.
Here's the breakdown:
| Technology | Articles Mentioning | Katz Growth (%) | Insight
Q: Which has the strongest investment case?
Subject: The REAL Foundations of AI (It's Not What You Think) - Ins7ghts Pt. 2: Show Me The Money!
Hey Data Pros,
Forget the hype about fancy new algorithms. The dirty secret of AI is that its power rests on technologies that… well, let's just say they aren't winning any beauty contests. Last week we talked about the unsexy but vital foundations: scalable compute, robust data infrastructure, and mature data governance.
Now, the question is: where should you be placing your bets? Everyone's chasing the LLM rainbow, but I'm seeing a different picture in the data.
The Biggest Misconception: AI is about Models
It's not. It's about Agentic AI. Everyone is so focused on the model itself, they're missing the bigger picture: how do you operationalize these things? How do you make them useful? The data screams this. Look at the gaps:
| Gap | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Missing Agentic AI | Models are useless without workflows, security, and auditability. |
| Data Governance | You can't build anything reliable or compliant on a swamp of ungoverned data. |
| Integration & Benefits | ROI is the name of the game. How do you actually use this stuff to make money? |
The market is begging for solutions that bridge these gaps. Everyone's building the engine, but nobody's building the car.
The Investment Case: Pickaxes Over Gold
The gold rush is in LLMs, but the real money is in selling the pickaxes. Specifically, the tools that enable secure, auditable, and governed agentic AI.
Here's where I see the strongest investment case:
Agentic AI Platforms: Think platforms like Opus AI (if they can deliver on their promise of agentic AI with human oversight and auditability). We need platforms that allow businesses to build custom agentic workflows, not just generic chatbots. This is about verticalized* AI, not horizontal.
Data Governance Solutions: This is the unsexy but critical foundation. Companies like Collibra and Alation are already playing here, but there's room for innovation, especially around AI-powered data discovery and governance. Look for companies that are leveraging AI to automate* data governance tasks.
- Secure AI Configurations: Let's be honest, most AI deployments are security nightmares waiting to happen. Companies that can provide robust security solutions for AI systems, especially around data access and model security, are going to be in high demand.
My Hot Take: Forget "General" AI, Embrace "Specific" AI
The obsession with Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is a distraction. The real value lies in building AI systems that are highly specialized and tailored to specific business needs. This requires a focus on agentic AI, robust data governance, and airtight security.
Specific Advice:
- Stop chasing the latest model. Focus on building or investing in solutions that enable the operationalization of AI.
- Double down on data governance. It's not glamorous, but it's essential. Invest in tools and processes that ensure your data is clean, consistent, and compliant.
- Demand security from your AI vendors. Don't assume that security is built-in. Ask tough questions about data access, model security, and vulnerability management.
The future of AI isn't about bigger models, it's about smarter systems. And the companies that can build those systems are the ones that are going to win big.
Stay Ins7ghtful,
Yves Mulkers
Veteran Data Strategist
Ins7ghts Newsletter
Q: Who are the market leaders?
Subject: The REAL Foundations of AI (It's Not What You Think) - Ins7ghts Pt. 3: Names You Need To Know
Hey Data Pros,
The AI gold rush isn't about who has the shiniest model; it's about who controls the picks and shovels. And right now, those picks and shovels are data infrastructure. You asked about market leaders? Let's be clear: the real leaders aren't always the ones plastered on TechCrunch.
Everyone's obsessed with OpenAI and Anthropic (Claude, specifically, is getting a lot of buzz). But they're consumers of the underlying infrastructure. The smart money is betting on the companies building the platforms that make AI possible.
Here's the breakdown:
| Category | Leader(s) (My Take) | Why They Matter