Mark Heynen isn’t here to hype Artificial Intelligence. He’s here to ground it. Ahead of World Summit AI USA 2025 (June 18–19, San Francisco), the Knapsack co-founder opens up about the real risks of power concentration, the promise of privacy-first tools and why the future may depend less on regulation—and more on responsible founders.
What’s your most compelling dream scenario for AI — a breakthrough that would fundamentally improve life on a global scale?
I dream of having it do my dishes and laundry. Simple, but telling -- it could then really save us all from life's drudgery.
What’s a recent project or breakthrough you're especially proud of — and what kind of impact do you hope it will have in the real world?
We recently launched a completely private AI notetaker and email autopilot and are giving it away for free on knapsack.ai. I think this will allow people to take notes without worrying about where their data is stored, if someone is sharing sensitive data, and break some of the concentration of power and data in large labs.
What’s a use case for AI that you think more people should know about — something positive that’s flying under the radar?
I think MCPs are still underutilized -- especially asking AI to draft / respond to all of your emails.
If you had to choose one nightmare scenario that keeps you up at night — whether realistic or speculative — what would it be, and what warning signs should we be watching for today?
AI having unfettered access to large pools of capital. I think this is crossing a rubicon. This is one reason I focus on financial services.
Who or what do you think has the power to prevent your nightmare scenario above?
Founders who can create guardrails. I don't think regulators have as much power as they think they do here.
What are we not talking about enough in the AI conversation today — something you believe could be hugely important five years from now?
I think the AI labs are sucking in more data than any of the web 2.0 hyperscalers (with one exception who is both), and that concentration of power and influence creates a massive honeypot. It is only a matter of time until they get hacked or can wield that influence in a way we don't expect.
If you look ahead 10 years, what do you think will be the biggest change in our daily lives?
Whatever replaces the smartphone.
Do you think AGI is near? When will we have AGI?
2028.
Mark Heynen, Co-Founder, Knapsack
World Summit AI global Summit series
18 - 19 June 2025
Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
World Summit AI
08 - 09 October 2025
Taets Art & Event Park, Amsterdam
worldsummit.ai
World Summit AI Qatar
09 – 10 December 2025
Doha Exhibition & Convention Center