NEW YORK – In a bold move to revolutionize entrepreneurship, Henrik Werdelin unveils Audos, an AI-powered startup studio with ambitions to launch 100,000 companies each year.
Immediate Impact
Henrik Werdelin, known for his role in building brands like Barkbox through his startup studio Prehype, is now setting his sights on a new venture. Based in New York, Audos aims to leverage artificial intelligence to dramatically scale the startup creation process. The timing aligns with recent mass layoffs across industries, prompting many to reconsider their career paths. Simultaneously, AI tools have lowered the barriers to creating digital products, positioning Audos as a catalyst for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Key Details Emerge
Werdelin’s transition from Prehype to Audos reflects a broader shift in entrepreneurship. While Prehype focused on traditional tech startups, Audos aims to democratize the startup process, enabling “everyday entrepreneurs” to create profitable AI-driven businesses without needing technical expertise.
“What we’re trying to do is take all that knowledge and methodology we’ve created over the years and really democratize it,” Werdelin tells TechCrunch.
Audos provides AI tools that allow individuals to build sophisticated products using natural language, capitalizing on social media algorithms to identify niche customer bases. Co-founded with Nicholas Thorne, Audos tests business ideas for sustainable customer acquisition costs using these advanced systems.
Industry Response
Since its beta launch, Audos has helped launch “low hundreds” of businesses. Customers typically discover the platform through Instagram ads, with Audos’s AI agents initiating conversations to identify entrepreneurial goals and target markets.
Examples include a car mechanic evaluating repair quotes, a service for “after death logistics,” virtual golf swing coaches, and AI nutritionists. Werdelin affectionately refers to these small teams as “donkeycorns.”
By the Numbers
- Audos takes a 15% revenue share from businesses it helps launch.
- Founders receive up to $25,000 in funding and access to AI tools.
- Audos employs just five people yet aims for a trillion-dollar turnover.
What Comes Next
The Audos model differs from traditional accelerators by not taking equity. Instead, it operates on a revenue-sharing model, which some entrepreneurs may find appealing, while others might question the long-term cost implications.
Audos’s approach has garnered support from investors like True Ventures, which led its $11.5 million seed round. Tony Conrad, a partner at True Ventures, highlights the platform’s potential to empower millions of individuals to create life-changing businesses.
Background Context
The announcement comes as traditional employment becomes increasingly unstable, making entrepreneurship a more attractive option. Werdelin emphasizes the importance of supporting smaller entrepreneurs who may not have access to venture capital or technical skills.
“We believe that the world is better with more entrepreneurship,” Werdelin states, underscoring the mission to extend entrepreneurial opportunities to a broader audience.
Expert Analysis
While Audos’s value proposition is compelling, questions remain about the sustainability of its model as AI tools become more accessible. The potential for entrepreneurs to access similar capabilities without revenue-sharing agreements could pose challenges.
Despite these uncertainties, investors remain optimistic. The parallels drawn to Instagram’s success suggest that AI could provide even greater leverage for small teams, enabling them to achieve significant impact with minimal resources.
Regional Implications
As Audos continues to expand, the implications for regional economies could be profound. By empowering local entrepreneurs, the platform may foster economic growth and innovation in areas traditionally underserved by venture capital.
Looking ahead, Audos’s commitment to supporting diverse entrepreneurial ventures positions it as a key player in the evolving landscape of AI-driven business development.
