Build vs Buy Software in 2026: Custom Software vs SaaS as AI Reshapes the Market

Global startup funding hit a record $510 billion in the first half of 2026, and more than 70% of Q2 capital went to AI companies. Here is what the market means for founders, and a practical guide to MVP development for startups that want to raise, launch and grow in 2026.

Gartner now expects worldwide AI spending to reach $2.7 trillion in 2026, up 49.5%, with AI software up 60.2% and AI agents up 77.3%. Here is what the September 2026 forecast means for businesses planning their AI budgets, and how to invest without overspending.

AMD crossed a $1 trillion valuation, Broadcom's AI revenue tripled and Gartner now expects $6.37 trillion in IT spending for 2026. Here is our September 2026 tech market roundup and what it means for companies planning software investments.