Exclusive: Mark Cuban Predicts AI Will Be a Must-Have Skill Like Email or Excel in 5 Years

The Future of Entrepreneurship: AI as a Baseline Skill

Mark Cuban, the well-known billionaire investor and entrepreneur, envisions a future where artificial intelligence (AI) fluency becomes a fundamental skill for business owners. In an exclusive interview, he emphasized that understanding how to work with AI agents is essential for success in the modern business landscape. According to Cuban, AI will soon be as common as email or Excel, becoming a standard tool that entrepreneurs must master.

Cuban has long been an advocate for AI, but his latest perspective highlights a shift in how he views its role in business. He believes that being proficient in AI will no longer be a luxury—it will be a necessity. For entrepreneurs, the ability to leverage AI effectively will determine their success in the coming years. In a recent email Q&A, Cuban stated that in 10 years, more people will work for themselves, aided by AI assistants that can transform solo founders into full teams.

"If you're not using [AI] to move faster or make smarter decisions, you're behind," he wrote. This statement underscores the urgency for business owners to adapt and integrate AI into their operations.

AI as a Team Member

Beyond being a skill, Cuban sees AI as a valuable team member that entrepreneurs can invest in. He believes that AI assistants can act as an equalizer, providing support that would otherwise require hiring multiple employees. For instance, AI can serve as a "VP of ops, your first sales rep, your data analyst, and your legal counsel rolled into one, minus the payroll."

However, Cuban also cautions that entrepreneurs should treat AI like their smartest intern. While it can offer insights and advice, it's crucial to ask the right questions and always verify the answers. This approach ensures that AI remains a helpful tool rather than a potential source of error.

ZenBusiness and the Launch of Velo

Cuban recently endorsed ZenBusiness, an AI platform that has assisted over 850,000 small business owners in starting their companies. He sees the launch of "Velo," a new AI agent from ZenBusiness, as a game-changer. Velo is designed to automate various business operations, including regulatory filings, research, and website creation.

According to Ross Buhrdorf, CEO and Founder of ZenBusiness, Velo will provide personalized advice to users through their portals without additional charges. It acts as a "24/7 advisor" for business owners. Additionally, the chatbot comes with human technical support, ensuring that users receive assistance when needed.

The State of Entrepreneurship in 2024

Despite a slight decline in new business applications in 2024, the entrepreneurial spirit remains strong. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 5.12 million new applications were filed in 2024, a decrease from the record-breaking 5.5 million in 2023. While factors such as the pandemic, government stimulus, and remote work contributed to a surge in entrepreneurial activity, the interest in starting businesses continues to thrive.

Cuban identifies two main barriers for entrepreneurs today: fear and funding. He believes that AI agents can help overcome these challenges by reducing the costs associated with hiring staff. By leveraging AI, entrepreneurs who might otherwise be excluded from certain industries due to financial constraints can now enter the market with greater ease.

The Role of AI in Business Success

Cuban emphasizes that AI is not just a tool but a form of leverage. He argues that those who fail to use AI effectively will find themselves at a disadvantage. The most successful entrepreneurs will be those who understand how to harness the power of AI to make quicker and smarter decisions.

He also notes that AI will not replace entrepreneurs, but rather empower them. "At the end of the day, AI is a multiplier," Cuban wrote. "Use it, but don’t be used by it."

As AI continues to evolve, its impact on entrepreneurship will only grow. For business owners looking to stay competitive, embracing AI is no longer optional—it's a strategic imperative.