Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath criticized startups for relying on generic AI buzzwords in their investment pitch decks, calling it a 'surefire way to get ignored.' He emphasized on August 14 that simply stating the use of AI is no longer impressive, likening it to bragging about taking a shower in the morning, according to livemint.com.
Kamath expressed frustration with the flood of 'nice-looking' but generic investment decks that fail to demonstrate real innovation or differentiation. He advised founders to avoid leading with AI claims alone, as serious investors are increasingly skeptical of pitches that do not show substantive value beyond the AI label. His remarks came during a discussion on the evolving technology landscape and investor expectations.
The warning highlights a shift in investor sentiment as AI becomes ubiquitous across sectors. Startups that merely mention AI without clear, unique applications risk being overlooked. Kamath’s stance reflects a broader trend where investors seek concrete business models and scalable solutions rather than buzzword-driven narratives. This perspective aligns with growing scrutiny in the startup ecosystem over genuine technological impact versus marketing hype.
Kamath’s comments were published on August 14, 2026, by livemint.com, underscoring the need for startups to focus on substance over style in fundraising efforts.