In a provocative shift from the typical startup narrative, former presidential candidate and Universal Basic Income (UBI) advocate Andrew Yang argues that the next wave of entrepreneurial innovation won’t be centered on artificial intelligence itself—but on reducing the cost of living for those most affected by AI-driven job displacement.
AI's Impact on the Job Market
Speaking to TechCrunch, Yang emphasized that as AI continues to automate routine tasks and compress wages, particularly in entry-level roles, a new class of startups will emerge to address the growing economic insecurity. "The next big wave of startups isn’t going to be about building AI," Yang stated. "It’s going to be about lowering the cost of living for people who are about to be displaced by AI."
This perspective comes as many industries grapple with the rapid integration of AI tools that are reshaping job markets. From customer service to data entry, roles once considered stable are now at risk of automation. Yang’s argument suggests that entrepreneurs should focus not just on creating new technologies, but on solving the human cost of technological progress.
Opportunities in Economic Resilience
Yang’s vision hinges on the idea that AI’s disruption will create a significant demand for services and solutions that help individuals and families manage reduced income or job loss. Potential startup areas could include affordable housing, low-cost healthcare, financial literacy platforms, and tools that help workers reskill more efficiently.
He pointed to the success of UBI pilots in various countries as a model for how society might adapt to AI’s economic disruption. "We need to think about how to make life more affordable and sustainable for people in the face of automation," he explained.
Conclusion
While AI remains a dominant force in the tech landscape, Yang’s insights challenge entrepreneurs and policymakers to consider the human implications of automation. His call for startups to address the cost of living may represent a new frontier in innovation—one focused not just on progress, but on resilience.
