AI Tool Viability Scores

Over 1,500 AI tools have shut down since 2023. Before you build your workflow around a tool, check whether it will still be here in 12 months. Every tool on RightAIChoice is scored 0–100 for survival probability.

How We Score

Each tool is evaluated across 4 signals. The weighted sum produces a single 0–100 score. Higher = more likely to survive the next 12 months.

Momentum

40%

How recently the tool actually shipped or was covered — mined from real news, changelog entries and launches. A tool with a release or feature in the last quarter is demonstrably alive; one whose newest signal is two-plus years old is an abandonment risk. (Tool-specific.)

Wrapper Dependency

30%

Is the tool a thin wrapper over a third-party foundation model (OpenAI/Anthropic/Google) with no proprietary technology, data, or workflow? Pure wrappers face the highest shutdown risk when the provider changes pricing or ships the same feature natively. Judged per-tool. (Tool-specific.)

Revenue Model

20%

Inferred from the pricing model: tools with a paid or freemium tier have a clearer revenue path than free-only tools with no monetization. A proxy for financial durability — not a funding-database lookup. (Tool-specific.)

Website Presence

10%

Whether the tool has a live website and pricing page — a basic signal that the business is still operating. (Tool-specific.)

Score Scale

70–100 — Safe

Well-funded, active development, proprietary tech, no major platform risk. Build confidently.

40–69 — Monitor

Some risk factors present. Use it, but have a backup plan. Check back monthly.

0–39 — At Risk

Multiple high-risk signals. Consider alternatives before investing time or money.

Frequently asked questions

What is an AI tool viability score?

A viability score is a 0–100 rating predicting the likelihood an AI tool will still be operational in 12 months. It combines 4 signals: momentum (40%, how recently it shipped), wrapper dependency (30%), revenue model (20%), and website presence (10%).

Why do AI tools shut down?

Over 1,500 AI tools have shut down since 2023. The main causes are: running out of funding (no revenue model), being a thin wrapper over ChatGPT/Claude that gets undercut by the platform itself, hyperscalers (Google, Microsoft) adding the feature natively, and category oversaturation where 50+ tools compete for the same niche.

How often are viability scores updated?

Viability scores are recalculated weekly. Each run processes tools in batches, prioritizing those with the oldest scores first. Major events (funding rounds, acquisitions, shutdowns) trigger immediate recalculation.

Build your AI stack with confidence

The Stack Planner recommends tools with strong viability scores so your workflow doesn't break when a tool disappears.

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