In the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence, every breakthrough draws comparisons. One of the hottest debates right now is whether AI agents, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini, can replace traditional search engines. But Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky has a firm opinion: AI agents are not the "new Google." While these bots are transforming industries, they aren't poised to dominate search-based referrals just yet.
In this piece, we’ll dive into insights from Chesky’s statements, unpack what this means for startups in 2025, and explore how entrepreneurs can leverage AI tools like PlayPal for their businesses. Plus, we’ll outline how tools like the F/MS AI Grant Finder can revolutionize your startup’s funding journey.
The Debate: Are AI Agents Replacing Google?
What Brian Chesky Says
During Airbnb’s Q2 earnings call in 2025, Chesky shared compelling insights:
- AI agents complement Google but don’t replace it. AI tools like Airbnb's custom agents have reduced customer service inquiries by 15%, yet they lack the comprehensive search capabilities of platforms like Google.
- AI is great for personalization, but search engines remain critical for scaling traffic and referrals.
Key Trends
- AI Agents: Companies are increasingly deploying AI assistants not just to automate tasks but also to offer highly personalized user experiences.
- Search Engines: Despite the rise of AI-driven tools, platforms like Google retain a stronghold, especially in intent-based actions like booking or direct purchases.
For startups, this separation between AI tools and search engines creates opportunities to innovate without relying solely on one channel.
7 Key AI Tools Transforming Startups in 2025
Here’s a curated list of tools that entrepreneurs can use to unlock the next level of startup success:
1. PlayPal, The AI Co-founder You Need
Check out PlayPal here. PlayPal, developed by Violetta Bonenkamp’s Fe/male Switch, is an AI co-founder designed to guide entrepreneurs in tasks like customer research, brainstorming, and project management. With customization features, PlayPal becomes your go-to for navigating challenges, from validating your business idea to tackling investor meetings.
2. F/MS AI Grant Finder for Startup Funding
Finding grants and funding can be tedious, but the F/MS AI Grant Finder simplifies the process. It helps entrepreneurs:
- Identify suitable EU grants.
- Draft application documents using generative AI tools.
In 2025, with a 40% rise in grant applications, this tool is saving entrepreneurs hours of research and maximizing their chances to secure funding.
3. Strategyzer AI for Business Model Innovation
This tool uses AI to refine your business model canvas with predictive analytics and actionable feedback.
4. Convoboss for Real-Time Legal Insights
Streamline your legal processes with an AI assistant trained on startup-related documents. Convoboss helps you navigate tricky clauses in contracts, while tools like the AI Startup Lawyer (still in development) show promise for revolutionizing legal advice for bootstrapped entrepreneurs.
5. Google’s AI Mode for Enhanced Search
Google’s introduction of AI-driven search modes still outpaces generative AI chatbots for intent-based results, as noted by Chesky.
6. Jasper for Content Creation
Ideal for startup teams short on marketing staff, Jasper’s generative AI writes blogs, social media posts, and product descriptions in minutes.
7. ElevenLabs for Founder Pitch Training
Perfect your voice and tone for investor pitches with synthetic voice modeling and real-time feedback.
How Startups Can Use AI Tools Effectively
The integration of AI tools in startups doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Here’s how to make the most of these technologies:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Understand the Problem You’re Solving
- Tools like PlayPal can help identify pain points in your target audience. For instance, entrepreneurs can build solutions directly in the PlayPal SANDBOX after validating core ideas.
- Leverage AI for Operational Efficiency
- Use grant-finding tools like F/MS AI Grant Finder to reduce manual efforts on funding research.
- Avoid AI Over-Reliance
- Remember, AI outputs are only as good as your inputs. Refinement and personalization must always take priority.
- Iterate with Feedback
- Elona Musk, the AI assistant in the Fe/male Switch platform, automates feedback given to entrepreneurs, allowing for scalable learning. Always apply critique to refine your strategies.
Most Common Startup Mistakes with AI Integration
AI might be revolutionary, but its improper utilization can still harm startups. Watch out for these pitfalls:
- Skipping Idea Validation
- Many founders jump straight into building without validating their ideas. Tools such as PlayPal ensure that your concepts are tested before deeply investing resources.
- Over-Customization of AI Agents
- While it’s tempting to heavily personalize AI tools, doing so without aligning with your core business objectives may dilute effectiveness.
- Ignoring Privacy Compliance
- If you deal with sensitive data, make sure your tools (like the AI Startup Lawyer) are GDPR-compliant to avoid legal repercussions.
- Failing to Test AI Outputs
- Blindly trusting AI-generated grant applications or proposals can damage your reputation. Always have a human reviewer cross-check them.
Bonus Tip: Land in Europe with F/MS Startup Game
Expanding your startup to Europe? The F/MS Startup Game (led by Violetta Bonenkamp) guides aspiring entrepreneurs into landing in Europe, especially in the Netherlands. Their unique methodology provides simulated funding scenarios and networking opportunities with real experts.
Additionally, you can explore startup opportunities in Malta: their Startup Visa program includes incentives for non-EU founders. Entrepreneurs like Matthew Caruana’s insights help understand these options further.
PlayPal: Your New Best Friend
Founders, freelancers, or solopreneurs, you don’t need to go at it alone. Use tools like PlayPal to:
- Engage in brainstorming conversations.
- Practice investor pitch deliveries.
- Discuss mental health and peer challenges along the way.
Its tailored personas adapt to business and personal discussions, ensuring that every founder has someone to turn to in their entrepreneurial journey.
Conclusion: The Future Isn’t Binary
AI agents and search engines aren’t enemies; they’re complementary tools in the world of startups. While platforms like Google dominate referral intent, tools like PlayPal and the F/MS AI Grant Finder enable founders to maximize their productivity and precision in niche areas. As Brian Chesky aptly noted, AI can amplify personalized experiences, but mastering how startups use it can determine success or failure.
If you’re an entrepreneur looking for customized solutions, start with tools tailored for you. Leverage PlayPal for guidance, secure funding through AI grant-finding tools, and create smarter operational systems with AI at your side.
Want to explore more? Get started with PlayPal today and supercharge your entrepreneurial journey!
FAQ
1. What is Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky’s opinion on AI agents replacing Google?
Brian Chesky argues that AI agents are not the "new Google." While they excel in personalization and customer service, they lack comprehensive search capabilities required for user referrals like Google does. Read Airbnb CEO’s full statement
2. How has Airbnb integrated AI into its operations?
Airbnb uses AI-based customer service agents that have reduced human inquiries by 15%. The agents are trained on tens of thousands of conversations and help customers navigate challenges like bookings and cancellations. Learn how Airbnb uses AI
3. Will AI agents replace traditional search engines like Google?
AI agents serve as complementary tools rather than replacements. They provide personalized and task-specific support but are not robust enough to manage the versatility of intent-driven search that Google offers. Explore how AI agents complement Google
4. What challenges do AI agents face in customer service?
AI agents in customer service must avoid "hallucinations," or creating false information, and ensure accuracy in operations like handling cancellations. This remains a key hurdle for AI’s reliability in services. Read insights on challenges in AI service integration
5. What are Airbnb’s plans for expanding AI capabilities?
Airbnb plans to roll out AI-powered search and trip-planning functionalities by 2026, aiming to become the first choice for travel bookings. Discover Airbnb’s AI plans for the future
6. How is Google adapting its AI strategy in search?
Google is introducing AI-driven features, including an experimental "AI Mode" for deeper intent and reasoning-based search capabilities. Learn about Google’s AI Mode updates
7. Who benefits from integrating AI agents into startups?
Startup founders benefit from tools like PlayPal, which acts as an AI co-founder to assist in brainstorming, operations, and investor interactions. Explore PlayPal for entrepreneurs
8. How do AI agents assist with startup funding?
The F/MS AI Grant Finder simplifies the grant application process, identifying suitable EU grants and drafting applications using generative AI. Check out F/MS AI Grant Finder for funding help
9. What are the risks of over-relying on AI tools in startups?
Improper use of AI, such as skipping idea validation or over-customizing tools, can harm startups. Entrepreneurs must align AI integration with business goals and ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR.
10. What opportunities does the European startup landscape offer?
Europe’s startup ecosystem, including the Netherlands and Malta, provides incentives like startup visa programs to help founders expand internationally. Check out European startup opportunities
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch. The Fe/male Switch team is located in several countries, including the Netherlands and Malta.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
