Artificial intelligence (AI) has changed how many industries do their activities, and businesses are no exception. Experts say 35% of companies have embraced and used AI for business. This stat proves that AI is growing fast, as many companies have adopted it to make better strategies. AI models are one of the best ways businesses can integrate this tech into their efforts.
And we’re not talking about the AI that takes over the world (it’s just a conspiracy at this point). Think of AI models as invisible helping hands that make everything smarter and smoother. This article will explore nine AI models that can easily give businesses a high-tech makeover.
Table of Contents
Understanding the basics of AI models
The benefits of using AI models for business
9 AI business models worth trying in 2025
Rounding up
Understanding the basics of AI models
AI models just don’t imitate human thought. They can act without human contribution, making choices or predictions with near-perfect accuracy. The best part? AI models can learn from data provided by businesses (or other users)—machine learning at its finest!
While AI models today have neural networks that make them look almost like sentient creatures, the first example dates back to the 1950s. In this era, programs that played checkers and chess with real humans were introduced. But instead of moving according to pre-set instructions, the program could respond to its opponent’s moves, offering a more challenging experience.
The benefits of using AI models for business
1. Boosted efficiency and productivity
Repetitive tasks can be time-consuming and annoying, especially since employees or business owners must do them daily. However, AI models can handle these specific tasks, offering businesses a more streamlined workflow. As a result, teams can focus on more important tasks and enjoy better productivity overall.
2. Smarter decision-making
Another thing businesses do almost daily is handle large amounts of data. Handling such data sets manually can cause headaches and tire out the average employee (or owner). Thankfully, businesses can avoid such situations by using AI models.
They can train large language models with deep learning to analyze massive data sets quickly. This lets them get quick yet accurate insights and make better, data-driven decisions. Plus, it’s way faster than anything traditional methods can do.
3. Scaling services
Growing a business is a big part of every start-up or small company’s dream. But when a business scales, everything grows with it, including the operating costs and resources needed. This can quickly become overwhelming if businesses are not prepared.
But why go through all that stress when AI can help? With AI models, small businesses won’t need extra staff to run and adapt to the changes. Their chosen model can scale with them and keep everything running smoothly.
9 AI business models worth trying in 2025
1. AlaaS (AI as a Service)
AI as a Service (AlaaS) is quickly becoming a go-to option for businesses looking to use AI without breaking the bank. It works like a cloud service where companies can pay only for the AI tools they use without the high upfront costs.
Tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft lead the AlaaS market, offering various high-quality AI services catering to multiple industries. This setup allows businesses to tap into AI when needed—flexibility without a long-term commitment.
2. Data monetization AI strategies
AI systems often generate vast amounts of old and new data, from which businesses can profit with a data monetization strategy. This strategy could involve getting better customer insights, selling anonymized data to other companies, or using the data to train AI tools and make better services or products.
However, this artificial intelligence model has a catch. While data monetization may be incredibly profitable, it also raises important privacy and ethical concerns. Hence, businesses must handle these issues responsibly.
3. Subscription-based models
Like AlaaS, subscription-based models offer a flexible way to use AI without long-term commitment. Here, businesses can pay a regular fee to help manage the costs of implementing AI. And, if companies want to be service providers, they can maintain steady revenue from these subscriptions.
For example, AI-powered CRM tools, predictive maintenance solutions, generative AI models, and marketing automation platforms show how this technology can streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. It’s a win-win solution: businesses get top-tier tools without upfront costs, while providers enjoy consistent income.
4. Custom AI solutions
When businesses want personalized solutions, custom AI is the best model. Providers tailor custom AI solutions to meet their clients’ unique needs by creating specialized algorithms, designing personalized interfaces and workflows, or integrating with existing systems. Although these solutions often come at a premium, they can give businesses precisely what they need to operate more effectively.
5. Consulting services
Not sure where to start with AI? Businesses can use consulting and professional services to implement AI solutions successfully. These AI vendors can guide them through building a solid AI strategy, training AI models, and setting up the right data infrastructure. Businesses can also get ongoing customer support to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Businesses can flip this model and become the AI providers offering consultation. These services can be highly profitable, as they can help clients overcome the challenges of adopting AI, making the transition process easier.
6. Outcome-based pricing and value creation
Outcome-based pricing allows businesses to pay based on the impact of the solutions they want, like increasing sales or lowering expenses. It’s another win-win solution because retailers will only pay when they see actual results. This AI model is quite popular in industries like healthcare, where AI can improve patient care and reduce costs, making it a practical fit.
7. Freemium and premium models
Freemium AI modes offer a basic version of their tools for free, letting businesses try them before deciding whether to pay for more premium features or usage. With this approach, retailers can test the tool first and decide to commit if it satisfies their requirements. Businesses can find freemium generative models in chatbots, image recognition APIs, and language translators.
8. Platform-based models
Platform-based AI models act like matchmaking services, bringing together AI developers, data providers, and users in one place. Businesses can use the platform to fulfill their AI requirements or become its owners.
Platform owners make money by taking a cut of the transactions on their platform. As more people join, the platform strengthens, benefiting from network effects and lower costs. Some great examples include AI marketplaces like Algorithmia and Nuance AI Marketplace.
9. AI-integrated products
Businesses can boost user experiences by weaving AI into their products and services. This could be achieved through smart features in everyday devices such as phones and cars, or by adding smart capabilities to software programs.
The aim is to offer users a more personalized and engaging experience. AI-enhanced products often have higher price tags but can help businesses stand out in competitive markets.
Rounding up
AI may not replace human intelligence, but it can help boost it. That’s why understanding AI business models is necessary for businesses hoping to use artificial intelligence effectively. They will need to weigh open-source AI’s benefits, which offer customization and cost savings, against commercial options that provide better support and security.
Also, they must decide whether to use cloud-hosted AI, which is scalable and cost-effective, or private AI for more control over their data. Lastly, don’t forget to add a solid AI policy that addresses how the business uses data, trains models, and how transparent operations will be. Remember that adding any new AI system will require a training process for staff, so be ready to handle the added costs.
