Bula AI: Are we repeating the dot-com mistake or is it really worth the excitement this time?

In 2026, one question dominates financial discussions. Is artificial intelligence a bubble ready to burst? Many compare the current situation to the dot-com era of the 2000s. At Altanet Craiova We are analyzing the facts coldly. There are real risks, but also good news regarding profitability.

What do the experts at MIT Sloan say?

Thomas Davenport and Randy Bean from MIT Sloan have analyzed current trends. They see some similarities to the dot-com bust. Some companies' valuations are overstated. Many companies are emphasizing growth over profit. This strategy can be dangerous in the long run.

According to the graph Gartner, GenAI technology and digital agents have entered a new phase. This is called the „trough of disillusionment”. Blind enthusiasm disappears. Now is the time when only useful solutions survive.

Money flows to agentic AI

Venture Capital (VC) investments have exploded. The amounts are huge, especially in the field of AI agents:

• 2023: The investments were 1.3 billion USD.
• 2025: The amounts rose to approximately USD 7 billion.
• Record ratings: Anysphere (creators Cursor) was valued at 9 billion USD.

These figures show huge investor confidence. However, the risk of a market correction remains high.

The major difference: AI already delivers results

Unlike the dot-com era, AI is making money today. We're not just talking about promises. The data shows a measurable ROI:

Top companies report a return of 192%. On average, every dollar invested in AI brings back $1.71. During the dot-com era, most companies had no profit model.

What awaits us in the second half of 2026?

Experts predict a moderate market correction. Companies based solely on "hype" will disappear. Only those that offer real value will thrive. Investments in hardware infrastructure will continue. Data centers remain vital for the future.

You can delve into the analysis of trends for this year in the article MIT Sloan on AI trends in 2026.

Conclusion

The AI bubble won't burst like the dot-com bubble. The technology is already useful and profitable. However, investments must be made carefully. Success depends on actual utility, not promises.

Do you want to invest in sustainable AI solutions for your company? The team Altanet Craiova can help you choose the technologies with the best ROI. Visit our website contact and let's discuss.

This is the last article in the Altanet series on AI trends in 2026. See the complete guide to the series for all 20 topics covered.