As Congress and state legislatures race to shape policies impacting artificial intelligence, AIN is putting startups at the center of the debate to keep Little Tech and the U.S. competitive

WASHINGTON: The American Innovators Network (AIN), the leading voice for the Little Tech startups and entrepreneurs driving American innovation in artificial intelligence, today announced Jeremy Kudon as the new Executive Director, alongside the addition of two dozen new partner organizations. With the addition of new partners, including growing AI companies like Slingshot AI and Doppel, AIN has more than doubled in size in its first year.

With Congress now debating federal AI legislation and the introduction of more than 1,000 AI-related bills in state legislatures across the country in 2025 and hundreds already in 2026, today’s AI policy choices will have enormous impact for America’s startups. The addition of Kudon as Executive Director, with his extensive experience successfully advocating for policy reforms in state legislatures, will be instrumental to ensuring AI policy is shaped with Little Tech in mind.

AIN’s new partners join a national roster that already includes Andreessen Horowitz, Anyscale, Exowatt, Sourcegraph, Y Combinator, and Scale AI. AIN’s partner companies are developing tools that power safer autonomous vehicles, drive innovation in healthcare and mental health research, advance responsible AI systems, and strengthen digital infrastructure across industries. AIN’s growth marks a defining moment in the movement to champion America’s Little Tech ecosystem and to support policies that keep American innovation bold, dynamic, and driven by the same pioneering energy that has long powered American progress.

“Small startups and entrepreneurs are the driving force behind American innovation and competitiveness. As the fight over how to best regulate AI intensifies, we cannot let the biggest players in the room write rules that lock Little Tech out,” said Jeremy Kudon, Executive Director of AIN. “With these new partners, AIN will fight to ensure policies are crafted so that the next wave of AI innovation is built and thrives in the U.S.”

“Slingshot AI is building a new kind of mental health experience, one designed for accessible, everyday support and real emotional growth. But innovation alone isn’t enough,” said John Hsu, General Counsel at Slingshot AI. “The regulatory choices being made right now, in Congress and in statehouses across the country, will determine whether companies like ours can scale and reach the people who need us most. AIN gives startups like Slingshot a seat at the table, and we’re glad to be working alongside this coalition to get the policy right.”

“Startups win with speed – turning bold ideas into real-world impact, fast,” said Macy Mills at a16z speedrun. “Keeping that momentum requires policy that moves just as fast, so the people building the future can have a voice in the rules shaping it. We’re eager to be part of AIN to help continue driving innovation forward.”

AIN partners include:

The American Innovators Network (AIN) champions American innovators and start-ups. We believe Little Tech – entrepreneurs, risk-takers, and creators – represents the past, present, and future of American Greatness. We exist to create an environment where the spirit of American ingenuity can thrive and usher in a new era of innovation and global competitiveness. Learn more about AIN at americaninnovatorsnetwork.com.

Fonte: Business Wire