What the AI talent shift means for founders like me

As the founder of MAGIC AI, I’ve seen firsthand how the UK’s talent landscape has transformed, particularly in the AI sector. For a while, we were seen as a center of technology and innovation, a magnet for the crème de la crème who came from Europe and the rest of the world. However, times have changed. And not how you might expect. ‍ ‌‍ ‍‌

The UK has an English-speaking labour force, close ties with universities, and easy international mobility. At first, these factors made it very attractive to the rest of the world; certainly, these are appealing features, especially for AI startups that need to scale up quickly.

We are also home to prestigious institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College, which have produced some of the brightest minds in tech. This talent pool, together with the UK’s image as a business-friendly environment, has turned us into a hub where European companies looking for fresh growth opportunities flock.

Unfortunately, the talent acquisition process has been changing gradually from a great opportunity, into a real challenge for those of us working in AI.

Due to Brexit, the UK has been tightening its immigration policies, making it difficult to hire workers from the EU. This limits the talent pool, particularly in the AI and machine learning fields where advanced technology skills are needed.

As a result, a large number of top professionals are understandably either hesitant to move to the UK or they choose to move to other countries in the EU where there is less bureaucracy. For UK companies, though, these top talents – especially the ones who are skilled in deep learning, natural language processing, and data science – are more sought after than ever.

Naturally the US, with its massive investment in AI research, a large and vibrant startup community, and relatively relaxed immigration policies, is still often their first choice. But, although the UK remains a key destination for AI jobseekers, we are no longer the default runner-up.

Add to this the sky-high salaries and benefits at global tech giants like Google and DeepMind and only a handful of home-grown startups – usually those with funding – can compete.

Instead, we have to be more creative in our recruiting methods: recruiting from non-traditional talent pools, offering flexible working hours, and participating in the overseas markets. Startup companies in particular must constantly be quick and flexible in our decisions.

Over the last year, MAGIC AI has adapted to the skills shortage by broadening its approach to acquisition. We’ve explored remote and hybrid working models, expanded our search beyond traditional hubs like London, and partnered with universities to tap into emerging talent.

I still believe the UK is the best place in Europe to set up an AI startup. We have a thriving tech ecosystem, a wealth of academic research, and a diverse pool of international professionals. While it might be harder to hire people, there are still plenty of opportunities for growth, networking, and investment. And in my view, the search is worth it.