I started a business with AI and no tech background. Here's what it still can't replace.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment, Style
Tim Desoto
Tim Desoto founded an AI startup in 2024 with no technical background.

Zachary Fineberg for BI

I flew to Puerto Vallarta to escape the blizzard in New Jersey. Now I'm sheltering from cartel violence.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Smiling at the camera, a man stands on a balcony overlooking a beach, turquoise water, anchored boats, and a white sail-shaped pier.
Brian Thompson, 75, arrived in Puerto Vallarta on Saturday and is sheltering in place.

Courtesy of Brian Thompson

AI agents make agreeable coworkers, and that's a problem for solo business owners. Here are 3 ways they're fixing it.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Tim Desoto, Yesim Saydan and Aaron Sneed
Founders Tim Desoto, Yesim Saydan, and Aaron Sneed all implemented a strategy to make their AI employees better.

Courtesy of Tim Desoto and Yesim Saydan; Michelle Bruzzese for BI

I'm a solo business owner who couldn't afford employees. A $20-a-month AI subscription became my team.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Christina Puder
Christina Puder discovered the power of AI through a free account with Lovable, an AI coding assistant.

Christopher Gregory-Rivera for BI

I'm raising my 4-year-old granddaughter on my own in my 60s. I expect to work until I die.

Tech Insider : Economy, Business
A grandmother with her young child
Dorenne Simonson is her granddaughter's caregiver.

SbytovaMN/Getty Images

I'm a solo founder with AI agents instead of employees. My 'council' of AI agents saves me 20 hours a week.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Aaron Sneed

Michelle Bruzzese for BI

I'm 18 and plan to study computer science in the fall. AI won't scare me away — here's my plan.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
Smiling at the camera, a young person with round glasses and braces stands outdoors against a blurred backdrop of trees.
Alex Seungyong Yang plans to attend university in the fall.

Courtesy of Alex Seungyong Yang

I was laid off 1.5 years ago and still can't find a full-time job. I feel like I'm working harder than ever, yet making less than I did before.

Tech Insider : Business
Alex English
After being laid off, Alex English left LA due to the high cost of living and crowded job market.

Thomas Simonetti for BI

I'm an AI résumé builder who's helped hundreds of recently laid-off workers. Here's my advice for people looking for work in 2026.

Tech Insider : Business
A smiling man sits among tall sunflowers, facing the camera on a sunny day.
Sam Wright has done around 500 support calls with job seekers since July.

Courtesy of Sam Wright

I'm still working at 80 to help my family with medical bills. Caregiving has brought me closer to my grandkids, but I don't think I'll retire.

Tech Insider : Economy, Business, Travel
Noe Parenteau with his sister
Noe Parenteau (right) with his sister (left)

Noe Parenteau

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