In 2026, one question dominates financial discussions. Is artificial intelligence a bubble about to burst? Many compare the current situation with the dot-com period of the 2000s. At Altanet Craiova we look at the facts coldly. There are real risks, but also good news about profitability.
What do the experts at MIT Sloan say?
Thomas Davenport and Randy Bean of MIT Sloan have analysed current trends. They notice a few similarities with the dot-com crash. The valuations of some companies are exaggerated. Many firms emphasise growth at the expense of profit. This strategy can be dangerous in the long run.
According to the Gartner chart, GenAI technology and digital agents have entered a new phase. It is called the "trough of disillusionment". Blind enthusiasm fades. This is now the moment when only useful solutions survive.
Money is flowing towards agentic AI
Venture Capital (VC) investment has exploded. The sums are huge, especially in the field of AI agents:
- 2023: Investment stood at 1.3 billion USD.
- 2025: The sums rose to approximately 7 billion USD.
- Record valuations: Anysphere (the creators of Cursor) was valued at 9 billion USD.
These figures show investors' enormous confidence. Nevertheless, the risk of a market correction remains high.
The major difference: AI is already delivering results
Unlike the dot-com era, AI brings in money today. We are not talking only about promises. The data shows a measurable ROI (return on investment):
Top companies report a return of 192%. On average, every dollar invested in AI brings back 1.71 dollars. During the dot-com period, most firms had no profit model at all.
What awaits us in the second half of 2026?
Experts predict a moderate market correction. Companies built only on "hype" will disappear. Only those that offer real value will thrive. Investment in hardware infrastructure will continue. Data centres remain vital for the future.
You can dig deeper into this year's trends in the MIT Sloan article on AI trends in 2026.
Conclusion
The AI bubble will not burst the same way the dot-com one did. The technology is already useful and profitable. Still, investments must be made carefully. Success depends on real usefulness, not on promises.
Do you want to invest in sustainable AI solutions for your company? The Altanet Craiova team can help you choose the technologies with the best ROI. Visit our contact page and let us talk.
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.