Americans are embracing artificial intelligence at a growing rate, which could present a substantial opportunity for founders, according to a new survey from Menlo Ventures, but picking the right area of focus is critical.
The survey paints an expansive picture of how both consumers and businesses are utilizing AI. Menlo’s 2025 State of Consumer AI report, which surveyed 5,000 U.S. adults, found that 61 percent of Americans now use AI, with just shy of one in five adults using it daily.
Only a small portion of those users are spending money to use AI, though. Menlo found just 3 percent of users are currently paying for their AI services, resulting in a $12 billion spend. That represents a large untapped market for providers.
“The fact that more than half of Americans already use AI is remarkable, especially considering most are just using it for quick, simple tasks,” said Shawn Carolan, partner at Menlo Ventures, in a statement. “The biggest opportunity lies ahead when AI handles complex jobs from start to finish. … That’s the promise: less drudgery, more living.”
