Helius CEO: AI programming will require startups to deliver prototypes before fundraising, intensifying product competition

Odaily Planet Daily reported that Helius CEO Mert posted on the X platform stating that within a week, he created a seed-stage project called CheckPrice through AI programming (vibe coding). He believes that as software and product iteration times and funding costs decrease, the startup model will undergo a permanent change. Founders can raise seed funding with $100,000, and before seeking millions of dollars in funding, there is no excuse not to show growth momentum or deliver a product prototype. This change will lead to increased competition among products, as copying becomes easier and iteration speeds up. Founders with distribution and storytelling capabilities will dominate. Finally, he predicts this trend will begin in 2026 and will be fully evident within five years.