Why You Can't Miss the AI Defense Discussion at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Is Now the Time to Consider Refounding Your Startup for AI Success?

Update Refounding: A New Era for Startups Recently, a fresh buzzword has begun circulating in the tech startup community: "refounding." Vibrant companies such as Airtable, Handshake, and Opendoor have declared their intent to 'refound,' signaling a turn of events that is much more than just another corporate pivot. These companies are not merely changing their direction due to setbacks; they are striving to reignite the foundational spirit of what being a startup originally meant, driven by the competitive waves of artificial intelligence (AI). The Shift from Pivots to Refounding Refounding is a transformative movement aimed at rebuilding a company from the ground up in response to new market demands. Unlike a traditional pivot, which suggests rectifying a failure, refounding proposes an ambitious reevaluation of business models to focus entirely on growth and innovation. Airtable's co-founder, Howie Liu, emphasized that they view their refounding moment not as a pivot but as an opportunity to redefine their mission around AI capabilities. This declaration strengthens the foundation of their business, urging them to rebuild rather than just evolve incrementally. What Drives the Refounding Trend? The urgency behind refounding usually comes with growth stagnation, particularly in the wake of technological advancements like AI. If sales efforts increase yet growth plates and businesses find themselves stuck, it may be time to reconsider the core aspects of the company. Refounding encourages companies to reevaluate who their target customers are, streamline operational processes, and refresh their product offerings to align with modern tech trends. Cultural Resets: The Importance of Mindset An essential part of refounding involves a cultural shift within the organization. For Handshake, a commitment to a back-to-office culture embodies this reset, demanding greater accountability and faster operational pacing. This aligns with established notions that maintaining nimble, startup-like energy is crucial for capturing market opportunities, especially in an age where AI is accelerating the need for efficiency and innovation. Real-World Examples of Successful Refoundings Airtable, Handshake, and Opendoor are not just throwing the term 'refounding' around lightly; they have instituted tangible strategies that reflect their commitment. For instance, Airtable's focus on making AI integral to their product allows them to enhance user workflows significantly. Handshake capitalizes on its return-to-office strategy to foster deeper collaboration and creativity, regaining the essence of startup culture. Meanwhile, Opendoor's agenda suggests a need to pivot its architecture entirely in light of changing market structures. The Investor Perspective: Economic Implications of Refounding As investors watch these refounding announcements, they are likely evaluating whether such bold moves will have lasting impacts or signify a business unable to adapt to market pressures. Successful refounding can mean the difference between staying relevant in a rapidly shifting landscape or becoming obsolete. Companies that clearly delineate their refounding strategies with responsible financial planning and realistic milestones are more likely to gain support from potential investors. Final Thoughts on the Refounding Approach Employing a refounding strategy rather than a conventional pivot is not merely a rebranding exercise; it represents a fundamental survival tactic in the wake of rapid technological advancement. Companies that effectively recognize and adapt their core offerings—and cultivate the necessary cultural shift within their teams—stand the best chance of thriving in a market increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. As startups consider their trajectories in light of AI evolution, the trend of refounding will likely become a significant framework for strategic growth.