GPT-5 isn’t the leap many expected and that’s good for startups. When every release feels like a step change, model providers tend to absorb more of the value chain. Slower jumps mean more room for startups to build durable products, own distribution, and differentiate through workflow, UX, data, and domain expertise. Instead of being displaced by the next API call from the frontier, founders can double down on deep integrations and compounding advantages knowing the ground beneath them won’t shift overnight.