Rishi Sunak says AI could give small businesses an edge over big firms

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has argued that artificial intelligence could hand small businesses a competitive advantage over large corporations. He made the remarks at the graduation ceremony of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women programme in New Delhi, India, in comments reported on 17 October 2026.

Sunak spoke in a conversation with Asahi Pompey, Goldman Sachs' global head of corporate engagement and president of the Goldman Sachs Foundation. He described himself as highly optimistic about what AI means for business, singling out smaller companies as the likeliest winners.

Speed versus bureaucracy

According to Sunak, large companies are slowed by red tape and several layers of decision-making whenever they try to adopt new technology. Smaller firms, he said, can move far more quickly, and AI could allow lean teams with limited staff and resources to accomplish more and narrow the gap with bigger competitors.

He pointed to concrete uses. Owners could rely on AI to get ready for key meetings with customers and suppliers, rehearsing conversations and anticipating likely questions. Sunak also suggested that AI agents could act as a virtual chief of staff, organising work and raising productivity.

Adaptability as the key skill

Sunak cautioned that companies would have to keep changing as the technology advances. He recalled a recent exchange with venture capital firm Sequoia Capital, saying one of its managing partners had advised companies to consider reinventing themselves every four months given how fast AI models are improving. If he had to choose a single lesson for the entrepreneurs in the room, he said, it would be adaptability.

He also predicted a social side effect of widespread automation. "A world with a lot more AI means is that we're also going to crave human connection," Sunak said. As a result, he suggested, industries that bring people together, such as sports and entertainment, could become more important to businesses and investors.

The comments add a prominent political voice to the debate over who stands to gain most from AI in the economy. Sunak urged entrepreneurs to use the technology to boost efficiency and unlock growth, while staying flexible enough to respond to rapid technological change.