Most Startups Add AI Too Early — Here’s How I Decide When It’s Worth It

Question

I keep seeing teams jumping into AI before they’ve even nailed the problem.
Not because AI is required — but because it sounds like the next step.

Over time, I’ve started using a simple rule:
If rules still work → automate.
If rules are broken at scale → consider AI.
If the product isn’t validated → wait.

I wrote this post to share how I decide when AI actually makes sense — and when it’s just adding complexity too early.
https://budventure.technology/blogs/does-your-startup-need-ai-2026

Curious how others here decide:
When was the last time you removed AI instead of adding it?