Wayne Visser, Director of the Católica Centre for Thriving Futures, took part in the SIM Conference 2026, co-facilitating a roundtable discussion on “Redefining Our Business with AI – How Founders and Investors Can Build Trustworthy AI-Native Companies.” Part of KPMG Venture Circles, the session took place on 14 May, the first day of the two-day conference, held at the Alfândega do Porto.
The discussion focused on the shift from AI-driven efficiency gains to fully AI-native business models, where products, services and revenue streams are designed around artificial intelligence from the outset, as well as the growing importance of trustworthy AI - including governance, data quality and risk management - and its increasing role in shaping investment decisions, scalability and long-term competitiveness.
Speaking to an audience of corporates, startups and venture capital funds, Wayne Visser introduced a 3-part test for AI-native business:
- The subtraction test – If you didn’t have AI in your business, would your business still operate? (If no, you are an AI native company)
- The agency test – Is your business set up to interact effectively with non-human AI agents? (If yes, you are an AI native company)
- The improvement test – As AI continues to evolve, will this make your company (and your business model) stronger or weaker? (If stronger, you are an AI native company)
Wayne Visser was joined by hosts and co-facilitators Ana Roldão, Associate Partner and Leader of the Tax Innovation team, KPMG Portugal and Stuart Tait, Chief Technology Officer, Tax & Legal, KPMG UK.
The SIM (Startups & Investment Matching) Conference is an international event designed to connect entrepreneurs, startups and investors through curated content and networking opportunities that foster meaningful connections between founders and capital providers. The conference is organised by Startup Portugal, hosted by the city of Porto, and held under the high patronage of His Excellency the President of the Republic.
Católica Centre for Thriving Futures