What happened
Freshworks published a study covering 12,021 IT specialists from mid-sized businesses. The results were stunning: organizations lose an average of 25% of their artificial intelligence budget because of the so-called “complexity tax.” In the U.S. alone, annual losses amount to $16.29 billion. The main reasons are inefficient implementation processes, the lack of a clear strategy, and a shortage of qualified specialists. Instead of getting real returns from AI, companies spend resources eliminating internal barriers and integration problems.
How this is useful for business
For entrepreneurs, this situation creates a unique market of opportunities. Businesses urgently need solutions that will help reduce losses and increase the effectiveness of AI investments. Demand for consulting, optimization tools, and training programs is growing exponentially. Companies are ready to pay for loss reduction, especially if ROI can be demonstrated quickly. A step-by-step approach to solving the client’s problem becomes a competitive advantage. The market is not yet saturated with specialized providers, which gives new players a window of opportunity.
How to make money from this
There are several proven monetization models in this segment. AI strategy consulting allows you to charge from $5 000 to $50 000 per project depending on scale. Developing AI budget audit tools can bring $2 000–$10 000 per implementation with a monthly subscription of $500–$2 000. Educational programs and workshops are valued at $1 500–$5 000 per participant. Validating demand for specific solutions takes 2–4 weeks, after which sales can be scaled. The hypothesis that services are in demand is confirmed by the size of annual losses — clients are already motivated to save.
Business ideas
- AI Efficiency Audit Service — audit of the client’s current AI projects with identification of losses and creation of an optimization plan. Income: $8 000–$25 000 per project, plus $1 200/month for support.
- Simplified AI Integration Platform — no-code platform for quickly connecting AI services without complex IT infrastructure changes. Income: $299–$999/month per user, average contract $3 600/year.
- AI Skills Bootcamp for corporate teams — intensive 2-week programs for training employees in the basics of working with AI tools. Income: $2 400 per participant; a group of 10 people brings $24 000.
- AI Budget Optimization SaaS — automated dashboard for tracking and optimizing AI expenses in real time. Income: subscription $199–$799/month, customer LTV $4 800 over 3 years.
- AI Implementation Consulting Firm — comprehensive support for companies from selecting solutions to implementation and monitoring results. Income: retainer model $10 000–$30 000/month per regular client.
Risks and limitations
When entering this market, several significant factors must be considered. The technological complexity of AI solutions themselves can become a barrier for a team without deep technical expertise. Large consulting companies have already begun developing similar practices, which will intensify competition by 2027. Clients may expect instant results, although real optimization requires 3–6 months. Regulatory changes in the AI sphere may also affect demand and service requirements. It is important to build the business model with potential market adjustments in mind.
7-day action plan
Day 1–2: Conduct a competitor analysis in the AI consulting and optimization segment. Identify 3–5 potential clients from mid-sized businesses. Formulate a hypothesis about the key pain point
Original news: Small Business Trends · See other news in the news section.
If the idea fits your business, see which stages make up the cost of development and where it makes sense to start.