The Impact of AI on Startups

AI is rapidly becoming a defining feature of Australia’s impact startup landscape. Mentions of AI in startup pitches have jumped from 5% in 2021–22 to 19% in 2023–24, and that share is expected to keep rising. 

The 2025 Impact Startups Benchmark Report by Giant Leap highlights three types of AI ventures: Makers, who build foundational models (think OpenAI, Anthropic); Shapers, who fine-tune models to create differentiated products or services (e.g. Ovum.ai, Harrison.ai); and Takers, who simply layer existing AI tools onto offerings without real strategic edge. 

For impact founders and investors, the takeaway is clear: AI is no longer optional. It’s a powerful enabler for climate, health and education solutions, but long-term value will depend on whether startups are shaping or making AI, not just taking it.