Generative Ai’s adoption is faster than any prior technological transformation and there is a voracious appetite for skilled talent that know how to apply AI across all verticals and sectors. It’s insatiable and will continue as companies grapple with how to leverage AI. However it is also important to remember that AI is not a new technology. There are plenty of skilled developers, engineers and business innovators with deep AI experience. For example at Techstars here in London our first AI investment was back in 2014. We have gotten to know and work with talented AI adept founders across all verticals from deep tech to health and well being to fintech and media. The talent is out there.
Georgie Smithwick
Managing Director, Techstars London
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There’s much discussion about Europe’s AI talent gap compared to the US, but this reflects differences in market maturity. The US leads in AI adoption, with more companies actively implementing it, creating greater opportunities for talent development. AI expertise grows through hands-on experience, not in a vacuum. In Europe, where I’m based as co-founder of Procure Ai, I see a strong foundational talent pool, but fewer developers have direct experience with LLMs due to slower adoption. However, as AI matures through 2025, opportunities for implementation will grow, gradually narrowing the expertise gap.
Konstantin von Bueren
Co-Founder, Procure Ai
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The war for talent driven by today’s speed of technology development will hinder enterprises’ ability to innovate, leading many to fall behind. One solution is rather than competing in an intense talent war, businesses should embrace strategic partnerships with technology providers and specialised firms. These collaborations enable access to cutting-edge expertise while fostering upskilling within existing teams. By bridging the gap through partnerships, companies can remain agile, competitive, and future-ready without solely relying on scarce, high-demand talent. Collaboration, not competition, is the key to thriving.
Tom Blain
SVP EMEA, OpenDialog AI
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As technology advances at an unprecedented rate, businesses are confronting a significant skills gap, with the demand for tech-savvy professionals far outpacing supply. Most topical is the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence which has created an urgent need for specialized talent within many industry sectors. Companies now face an inevitable war for talent, as they compete to attract and retain skilled workers capable of adapting to emerging technologies. This challenge emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and strategic workforce planning.
Karl Simons OBE
Chief Futurist & Co-Founder, FYLD
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The rapid evolution of technology has exposed a glaring skills gap, especially in fields like AI, leaving businesses scrambling to secure talent. As traditional skills become obsolete, the future of talent lies in adaptability and continuous learning especially in new technologies like AI. Organizations must rethink hiring strategies, prioritise upskilling, and focus on building agile and adaptive workforces to close these skill gaps.
By fostering a culture of innovation and growth, businesses can turn the talent shortage into a competitive advantage in an ever-changing landscape.
Saurav Chopra
Founder, 5Mins AI
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The rapid pace of AI evolution has outstripped the ability of most engineers to keep up, creating a clear skills gap. While demand for AI expertise is surging, the talent pool remains limited.
But here’s the thing: AI is changing the game. You don’t need massive teams anymore; lean, highly effective engineering teams can achieve more than ever before. At Auquan, we’ve embraced this—building a small but sharp, focused team of very intelligent, eager learners, investing in their growth, and adopting AI to make them exceptionally efficient.
Chandini Jain
CEO and Co-founder, Auquan
