DISCLAIMER: This episode is much more fun in video-form. Check the link below for the link to the video version on YouTube.
Everyone's building an AI startup in 2025. But how many will make it to 2026?
VC funding is flowing, landing pages are sleek, and the term “AI-native” is slapped on everything from search tools to to-do apps. It’s a great time to start an AI company — but a brutal one to survive in.
In this episode of The Good Thing with Stefan & Jens, we decided to cut through the noise. Inspired by the energy of tech Twitter and the glut of product launches on Hacker News & Product Hunt, we created a 2025 AI Startup Tier List.
We picked 10 real AI startups and ranked them from S to F:
S Tier – Unicorn potential
A Tier – Will probably survive and find a market
B Tier – Decent shot, some good signs
C Tier – 50/50 territory, hard to call
D Tier – We’re worried, but not fully out
F Tier – RIP. Defunct imminent
What makes a startup S-tier vs. F-tier? We used 3 guiding criteria:
1. Impact – Are they solving a real, meaningful problem?
2. Differentiation – Are they unique or already being outplayed?
3. Gut feeling – Does it "feel" like it’s going to work out?
Disclaimer: these rankings are OUR OPINIONS. We never wish ill-will on any company. Stefan & Jens have considerable industry experience & have seen a thing or two, so these stamps of approval (or lack thereof) are backed up with years of trial & error scar tissue. If your organization doesn’t meet the mark on our list, we'd love to see you prove us wrong.
If you’re building, investing in, or just lurking in the AI space — this episode is a must-watch reality check.
Which startups would you put in F Tier right now? Or better yet — who’s your dark horse S Tier? Let us know in the comments.
Tune in every Friday at 9 AM on YouTube (WunderGraph - Stefan & Jens) for new Live episodes!
Watch this episode here: 2025 AI STARTUP TIER LIST
Visit us at wundergraph.com
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