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Visionary: Real AI Winners Won't Be Selling AI Technologies

Veteran venture capitalist Chi-Hua Chien, known for predicting Facebook's success, believes the true winners of the AI revolution will not be companies selling AI technologies, but those using AI to build consumer products. Chien, who thinks like a cultural anthropologist, argues that real value lies in applications rather than infrastructure.

June 17, 2026
3 min read
Source: TechCrunch
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In the fast-changing world of technology, veteran investor Chi-Hua Chien stands out with a unique vision. Having spent over two decades in venture capital, Chien is known for his ability to foresee major trends, such as predicting the rise of Facebook. Now, he turns his attention to artificial intelligence.

A Different View of AI Winners

According to a report by TechCrunch, Chien believes that the true winners of the AI revolution will not be companies selling AI technologies directly, but those using these technologies to enhance their products and services. Chien says: "Real value lies not in AI infrastructure, but in applications that change people's lives."

Thinking Like a Cultural Anthropologist

What sets Chien apart from other investors is his unique approach. He does not look at companies purely from a financial perspective but tries to understand culture and human behavior. He describes himself as a "cultural anthropologist," studying how societies interact with technology. This approach helped him discover Facebook early on.

Broader Context

Chien's comments come at a time when the AI sector is experiencing a massive boom, with companies like OpenAI, Google, and Meta competing to develop large language models. However, Chien warns that focusing on infrastructure may be misleading, and investors should look at companies that integrate AI into everyday products.

What This Means for Investors

For investors, Chien's vision suggests looking beyond companies that sell AI technologies. The biggest opportunities may lie in companies that use AI to improve user experience, such as social media platforms, e-commerce, and financial services. However, investors should exercise caution and conduct their own research.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chi-Hua Chien is a veteran venture capitalist with over two decades of experience, known for his early prediction of Facebook's rise.

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This article was rewritten in Wrqti's editorial style based on information from the original source above. Content is informational only — not investment advice.