What Startups Really Think About the EU AI Act: Insights from GITEX Europe 2025

Fresh from GITEX Europe 2025, here's the news from the ground.

Last week, I got to visit GITEX EUROPE 2025 in Berlin. Between the coffee, DJs and hundreds of exciting new startups pushing the limits of innovation, there was also time to gather insights on something a bit less sexy: the EU AI Compliance Act.

Tell Us How You Really Feel...

Let's be honest: EU AI compliance is not at the top of most startups' minds. One quote captured it perfectly (and we heard this sentiment more than once):

"If compliance is your top priority as a startup, you might need to reassess your focus."

Understandably! Startups are not there to make a change! Between funding, innovation, product management, customer help, and daily startup troubles, adherence to the EU AI Compliance Act is simply not a priority.

Inputs (and results) of the Survey

Although not a priority, most startups feel like the window is closing (reminder: the act will take full effect in August 2026). In order to get ready in time, there was some significant interest in the survey that Smart Compliance Hub is planning to release soon.

Looking at Others

• How are others getting certified?
• What are the expected costs?
• What is the expected (and actual) workload?

Worried About Overlap

• What about overlapping legislation and certifications?
• How can we prevent double efforts?
• What if there is a conflict between the EU AI Compliance Act and other legislation?
• How does this align with Europe's effort to become less dependent?

How to Best Get Prepared

• Are there registers and listings we can use to find experts?
• Are there best practices we can use to limit the effort for compliance?
• Are there communities of practice and peers we team with for compliance efforts?

Finally, a concern specific to B2B startups is the (already increasing) pressure from corporate clients to finalize the complaint effort to reduce (legal) risk to both companies.

Stay Tuned

We're preparing the survey as we speak! Participants will get free access to the results. All information gathering will be strictly anonymous and never used for any other purpose than this survey.

A big thank you to all who were willing to share your insights. If there's a topic we missed or a question you want answered, feel free to reach out!