Which AI to choose in 2026?

The B2B AI market polarized in 2025-2026 between generic AI (ChatGPT custom, Tidio + GPT, Intercom Fin) and vertical AI (Orkelia, specialized competitors). This guide helps you choose based on industry, budget, regulatory constraints.

1. The two AI families in 2026.

Generic AI (chatbot + LLM) — Tools: Tidio + GPT, Intercom Fin, Crisp + AI, ChatGPT custom GPT. Principle: a well-prompted LLM answers everything, all sectors. Fast setup (1-3h), low price (€29-99/user/month), polyvalent. But: hallucinations on regulated topics, no native integrations, 60% retention 12mo in B2B.

Vertical AI — Tools: Orkelia (FR), Hippocratic AI (US health), Forethought (US support). Principle: a complete system built around a specific industry. Trade-specific vocabulary, native integrations (Doctolib, Combo, etc), 85%+ retention. But: longer setup (7-14d), higher price face value (€297-997/mo), sector-limited.

2. 12 operational selection criteria.

Criterion	Generic AI	Vertical AI
Initial setup	1-3h	7-14 days
Self-serve possible	Yes	No (managed)
Trade-specific vocabulary	Weak	Native
Native trade integrations	Generic (Zapier)	Direct API (Doctolib, Combo)
Hallucinations on regulated trade	High	Guardrails
GDPR native	Variable	Native
AI Act high-risk compliance	No	Yes
Face-value cost /mo (1 user)	€29-99	€297-997
Real cost /year (with founder time)	€20-50K	€3.5-12K
12-month B2B retention observed	~40%	~85%+
Human escalation built-in	No	Yes
Direct founder support	No	Pro+ plan

3. Decision tree by sector.

Healthcare (doctor, dentist, clinic, PT)

Verdict: Vertical AI mandatory. Regulated market: GDPR health + AI Act high-risk + HDS. No generic AI passes audit. Orkelia Clinic (€497/mo) or Hippocratic AI (US).

B2B Outbound (SaaS, agency, consulting)

Verdict: Vertical AI "managed". Lemlist self-serve real cost €36-54K/year with founder time captured. Orkelia Commercial managed ~€6K/year. 7-9× cheaper.

Restaurant (bistro, gastro, catering, pizza)

Verdict: Vertical AI as "operational brain". Combo / Skello handle structural planning — Orkelia Restaurant handles daily incidents (Insta DMs, absences, anti no-show). Compatible, not competing.

Transport (rideshare, fleet, logistics, ambulance)

Verdict: Vertical AI profitable from month 1. For an independent rideshare driver, Uber commission avoided (27%) on 25 corp rides/mo = +$2,100/year. Orkelia VTC cost: €397/mo.

Atypical trades (lawyer, real estate, plumber, coach, architect)

Verdict: Tailor Program (custom build). No standard branch covers these, but Build fee + Monthly Run makes it economically viable (€4,500-8,500 + €600-1,200/mo).

FAQ / basic customer support (general e-commerce)

Verdict: Generic AI suffices. For a DTC e-commerce with 80% repetitive questions (shipping, returns, sizes), Tidio + GPT or Intercom Fin does the job for €30-100/mo. No need for vertical AI.

Not sure of the right choice?

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