Stripe: How is AI a Benefit to the Digital Economy?
The progression of the digital economy, previously the internet economy, continues to evolve as it becomes part of everyday usage for businesses and individuals in the finance industry.
Opportunities for improvement for the digital economy have been theorised by many, leading to the prediction of trends in 2025; including the continued use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a fundamental core value.
The development of technology has ensured that new AI models can provide much-needed assistance in the rise of the digital economy.
A report from 2025 has predicted that digital technologies could be pivotal in shaping the future of the digital economy with an increase in the use of autonomous systems at scale, including, but not limited to, the use of AI.
Accessibility of AI has been an instrumental factor in the progression of the technology, leading to an increase in use by small and large companies.
AI and revenue growth in the digital economy
According to a report from Stripe about their top 100 AI companies, sales in international markets have almost doubled in comparison to companies using Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).
Market trends have seen a huge increase in revenue and potential revenue via the use of AI.
Buyers for AI are growing internationally in line with the demand for efficient digital practices, and the reliance on financial services via efficient digital platforms creates a demand for growth.
AI services have seen a positive growth over the last few years, and reports have predicted an increase of positive trends in customer growth of the digital economy into the future.
“This is not about dialling back ambition; it’s about being mature in how we implement accountable AI technology."
In comparison to SaaS, AI startups are also reaching financial milestones much faster in recent years. 45 AI companies founded between 2020-2023 generated more than 7 times their revenue than older companies, a report by Stripe has found.
Financial milestones such as reaching US$1m in annualised revenue are being reached on average 4 months ahead of traditional SaaS companies.
Current benefits of AI
Current uses of AI are predominantly focused in the customer service area, however, as growth rates in revenue using AI continue to rise, there is scope for an increase in AI services which could benefit other areas of digital economy.
Similarly, superintelligent AI could hold potential for future progress. The US is currently one of the largest investors in AI companies.
Growth in early private investment of generative AI could continue to progress as AI becomes more inclusive of essential business practices.
Digital economy, digital workers
Although AI is quickly adopting traditionally human-led roles such as research and subscription management, there is some concern that such roles should be handled with additional mindfulness in order to ensure an ethical business going forward.
CTO and SVP of Engineering at Jitterbit Manoj Chaudhary, says: "In fintech, where trust and accuracy are paramount, AI must complement human judgement, not replace it.
“This is not about dialling back ambition; it’s about being mature in how we implement accountable AI technology."
AI will continue to impact the digital economy as the demand for growth in efficiency continues to grow.
Ever-evolving AI practices, aided by open-source models, could have the potential to influence business models as the digital economy itself continues to grow and include AI in everyday business decisions.
AI companies, in particular companies less than 5 years old, have been shown to achieve financial milestones faster than traditional companies thanks to their use of AI.
Private investments in Gen AI, or Superintelligent AI models, have increased and will likely continue to do so in line with societal demand for AI inclusion.
