Open or closed AI? How founders are choosing what to build on at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

# Open or Closed AI: What Founders Are Actually Choosing Startup founders are making a critical decision about which AI tools to build their businesses on—either open-source models that anyone can access and modify, or proprietary systems locked behind companies like OpenAI and Google. Understanding this choice matters because it affects everything from how much these startups will have to pay, how much control they'll have over their technology, and ultimately what kinds of products and services end up in the market.