Tech Investor Serhiy Tokarev: Highlights from Web Summit 2024

Talking about Web Summit 2024, from the moment the event kicked off, it was clear: artificial intelligence wasn’t just stealing the show—it was the show. Industry heavyweights, tech enthusiasts, and startups alike shared one simple message: AI is no longer a futuristic dream; it’s officially part of our lives.

Talking about Web Summit 2024, from the moment the event kicked off, it was clear: artificial intelligence wasn’t just stealing the show—it was the show. Industry heavyweights, tech enthusiasts, and startups alike shared one simple message: AI is no longer a futuristic dream; it’s officially part of our lives.

“AI will become commonplace. Web Summit proves it,” said Serhiy Tokarev, co-founder of Roosh Ventures. “It’s not a trend anymore. It’s the foundation for how we work, innovate, and live today.”

AI Is Everywhere Now

AI is popping up in every corner of our world, and businesses are diving in headfirst. A recent McKinsey report revealed that 65% of companies are actively using generative AI—nearly double the number from last year. And it’s not just startups catching the wave; big players are all-in too.

Take Microsoft, for example. They’re putting $1.3 billion into AI infrastructure and training programs. Meanwhile, Google is teaming up with European research labs to explore AI’s potential in science and the arts. This kind of commitment shows that AI isn’t just about shiny new gadgets—it’s reshaping how the world works.

Why Businesses Can’t Afford to Ignore AI

According to Serhiy Tokarev, for modern companies, AI has gone from “optional upgrade” to “must-have tool.” According to the investor, businesses that fail to embrace AI risk being left behind. Here are just a few ways AI is already shaking things up:

  1. Making Work Easier: AI handles boring, repetitive tasks so humans can focus on what really matters.
  2. Helping Customers Faster: AI-powered chatbots and tools speed up response times and improve customer experiences.
  3. Decoding Big Data: AI turns mountains of information into actionable insights.
  4. Personalizing Everything: From shopping suggestions to health advice, AI tailors solutions for every individual.
  5. Reinventing Business Models: AI enables innovative services and platforms that weren’t possible before.

The bottom line? Companies using AI are leading the pack, while others scramble to catch up.

Beyond Business: AI Tackles Big Challenges

AI isn’t just for business. It’s making waves in science, sustainability, and even creative fields. Researchers are using AI to speed up discoveries in medicine, analyze climate data, and design experiments. In agriculture, it’s helping farmers use resources more efficiently and monitor ecosystems in real time.

Talking about Web Summit 2024, from the moment the event kicked off, it was clear: artificial intelligence wasn’t just stealing the show—it was the show. Industry heavyweights, tech enthusiasts, and startups alike shared one simple message: AI is no longer a futuristic dream; it’s officially part of our lives.

What About the Risks?

Of course, AI’s rapid rise brings its share of challenges. Cybersecurity is a big one. As Serhiy Tokarev puts it, “Cyber hygiene will become the new normal for everyone. Businesses and individuals alike need to stay ahead of potential threats.”

Then there’s the impact on jobs. AI could create 97 million new roles by 2025 but also displace 85 million. It’s a huge shift, but Tokarev is optimistic. His company founded SET University in Ukraine to prepare the next generation for AI-driven careers. “We need to focus on reskilling and education to navigate these changes,” the entrepreneur said.

AI in Your Everyday Life

AI isn’t just for techies or big corporations—it’s already a part of daily life. Millions of people use tools like ChatGPT to write emails, learn new skills, or brainstorm ideas. Smart home gadgets powered by AI are making everyday tasks smoother and more convenient.

In fact, the smart home market alone is expected to grow by over 17% annually, reaching billions of dollars in value by 2028. From automated lights to voice-activated assistants, AI is quietly making life a little easier for everyone.