Traditional forecasting is a tedious, time-consuming process that involves combining data from various sources, analyzing it to understand how it interconnects, and determining what it says about the future. Founders know it’s valuable, but often struggle to set aside the time and energy needed to do it well.
AI puts forecasting in reach for any founder by automating the process. Its powerful computing capabilities allow it to sift through cash flow data, sales data, customer acquisition costs, bank and credit card transactions, website analytics, operational data, and more—and that’s just the startup’s internals. AI can also easily consider market trends, industry benchmarks, government data, economic data, and competitor activity.
Unlike static spreadsheets that rely solely on past data, AI dynamically updates projections in real time. That means founders don’t have to worry about outdated models—they get fresh, relevant insights every time they log in. In the amount of time it takes a founder to go out for a cup of coffee, AI can aggregate and analyze the data to provide reliable forecasting.
With AI, forecasting is an ongoing assessment. AI-driven platforms can constantly assess data and update forecasts based on current performance. AI enables real-time forecasting. This means founders can pivot instantly. Spot a drop in sales? AI will surface the cause—whether it’s a seasonal trend, a competitor’s new pricing model, or a shift in customer behavior—so you can react before it impacts cash flow.