What is Convergent Technologies?

By Elena Obukhova

While debates about an "AI bubble" dominate headlines, I've been thinking about a more fundamental question: what actually defines an "AI company"?

Is a ChatGPT wrapper an AI company? If you use both blockchain and AI, are you suddenly a "decentralized AI company"? These labels have become meaningless. The line is blurry because AI has become an instrumental part of virtually every business whether improving internal operations or enhancing customer-facing products.

The best founders have never chased narratives. They've always used the best available technology to solve scalable market problems, regardless of what it's called.

Here's the thing: end users don't care what's inside your app or device. Apple never pitched the iPhone by explaining semiconductor architecture. When most people buy a car, they don't compare engine specifications, they care about how it feels and the overall experience.

Convergent Technologies.

History proves that having the most advanced technology means nothing without practical application. The Hero of Alexandria was an inventor in the 1st century AD during the Roman empire who developed the steam engine prototype (aeolipile). However, it wasn't practically developed until the 18th century almost 2,000 years later. Sometimes the most advanced tech isn't the best tech for your specific problem. Extra horsepower won't help you navigate city traffic faster.

So why create arbitrary labels when you can simply use the best available tools for real-world problems?

Convergent Technologies: The meaningful intersection of multiple technologies creating innovative solutions for specific applications: AI and blockchain in banking, facial recognition in biotech, agentic frameworks in cybersecurity, and countless other combinations.

Startup collaboration has always been key to innovative problem-solving. Convergent Technologies encourage this collaboration and cross-integration while rejecting the arbitrary boxes that limit founders.

The future isn't about being an "AI company" or a "blockchain company." It's about being a company that solves real problems with whatever works best.

‍