What does the EU AI Act mean for startups using AI?
The EU AI Act classifies AI by risk. If your use case lands in high-risk, you’ll need documented risk management, transparency, and human oversight—plan now to avoid blocking enterprise deals later.
The EU AI Act is the first comprehensive AI law, grouping systems into unacceptable, high-risk, limited, and minimal risk. Startups tip into high-risk when AI influences consequential decisions (e.g., HR screening, creditworthiness, health). High-risk systems require a risk-management process, dataset governance, technical documentation, logging, transparency to users, and human oversight; providers and deployers share responsibilities. Enforcement is phased, with significant penalties for non-compliance. Treat this as GTM enablement: map where your models/products touch the Act, document decisions (intended purpose, data, safeguards), and put a light “risk/impact review” in your release process. It shows diligence in sales cycles, reduces procurement friction, and gives you a cleaner path to larger customers.
Highlights:
Risk tiers drive obligations; high-risk = heavier controls
Expect documentation, oversight, transparency
Penalties are material; phased enforcement
Treat as sales enablement, not paperwork
How to apply
Inventory AI use cases → assign risk tier → implement a lightweight risk & impact checklist before release.