The AI market isn’t just noisy…it’s deafening.

As founders and startup leaders, it’s easy to get distracted as we’re bombarded with new product launches and fundraising announcements.

The only thing that really matters is finding a problem worth solving and then solving it well.

At Workmate, we’re building an AI-powered Executive Assistant to help busy professionals focus on what matters most.

Instead of obsessing about differentiating ourselves from other AI startups, we’re focused on solving our users’ real pain points around scheduling, because the current solutions aren’t great:

• Human EAs can provide an excellent service but at a cost most can't justify

• Scheduling tools like Calendly solve part of the problem but still have friction and create awkward situations

• DIY scheduling steals hours of productive time and creates constant mental overhead

This is why Workmate exists—to give everyone the power of a dedicated EA without the traditional costs or limitations.

3 Lessons for Building in a Crowded AI Market

1. Solve a specific problem people actually care about

Tech hype is seductive. But chasing the latest trend without addressing genuine pain points leads nowhere.

Success stems from a deep understanding of user problems that are both frequent and intense.

You don’t need to build an MCP startup because YC’s Request for Startups says so.

2. Let your vision filter the noise

With AI advancements happening daily, it's tempting to incorporate every new capability.

The key is to not chase the latest hype but adopt it thoughtfully i.e. only if it directly supports your core vision.

Avoid shiny object syndrome by regularly asking yourself: Does this innovation directly serve our users’ needs?

3. Clearly define your initial market.

Even in the most crowded markets, there's always room to serve a particular audience exceptionally well.

Workmate’s initial focus is on busy professionals overwhelmed by meetings and admin work.

Clarity around your first audience sharpens your value proposition and accelerates adoption.

Bottom Line

Be clear about your long-term vision, identify a problem worth solving, and work relentlessly to solve that problem for your users.

That's the path we're following at Workmate, and I invite you to join us on the journey.

Until next week,

David Lobo
Head of Growth, Workmate

P.S. Building an AI product or struggling with differentiation? Reply with your biggest challenge — we might feature it in an upcoming issue!

P.P.S. Want to eliminate your scheduling headaches? Workmate, your AI-powered executive assistant, handles your meetings and optimizes your schedule effortlessly. Join the waitlist today.