to be published by penguin random house in june 2026

The Sentient Startup

The Sentient Startup explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence as a true co-founder in modern startups. Inspired by Sam Altman’s 2023 prediction of AI enabling one-person billion-dollar companies, this book examines how AI’s rapid advancements could empower a solo entrepreneur to rival large, well-funded firms.

"In 'The Sentient Startup,' Arnaud masterfully explores how AI can transcend its role as a mere tool to become a true partner in entrepreneurship. This visionary work provides a practical framework for harnessing machine intelligence to create resilient, adaptive businesses capable of unprecedented scales. A must-read for any entrepreneur looking to thrive in the AI-powered future."

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About the author

Arnaud Frade is a global business executive with experience leading a variety of teams and business units for financial and professional services firms, including American Express, WPP, Omnicom, Accenture and Nielsen, across Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa. He has been formally advising startups in Asia since 2013.

Arnaud has been involved with topics related to Artificial Intelligence since 2016, then focusing on its impact on Marketing. The Sentient Startup is Arnaud's first book.

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What is it all about?

The Sentient Startup argues that AI is not just an efficiency tool but a fundamental shift in how startups operate. By integrating machine intelligence into the very DNA of a company, founders can create “sentient” businesses—organizations that continuously learn, adapt, and optimize based on real-time data. These startups leverage AI for strategic decision-making, product evolution, marketing, and operations at a scale and speed beyond human capability.

However, The Sentient Startup does not ignore the challenges. It warns against blind reliance on AI, highlighting risks such as bias, privacy concerns, and over-dependence on data-driven metrics. Ethical considerations and human oversight remain crucial to ensuring AI-driven businesses are not just intelligent but also responsible.

Ultimately, The Sentient Startup provides a framework for entrepreneurs, investors, and tech leaders to harness AI’s power effectively. It offers practical insights into building AI-native businesses that balance automation with human creativity, redefining the future of entrepreneurship.