AI could radically change how software is sold, and even upend the business model that's defined SaaS for the last decades. Which startups are poised to thrive in this new environment? On this episode of World of DaaS, Benchmark Capital general partner Sarah Tavel breaks down the new paradigm for SaaS startups.
Sarah and I discuss the concept of selling work in the SaaS industry and how it differs from selling traditional productivity software. Sarah explains how selling work could unlock whole new verticals for software penetration and disrupt existing SaaS giants. We explore the areas where these new, leaner software companies could flourish and discuss the broader impacts of AI in SaaS.
As one of the earliest hires at Pinterest, Sarah also has deep expertise with consumer social, which is set to be transformed by AI. We talk chatbots, AI avatars, and the responsibilities founders have as AI begins to replace more human interaction. The conversation wraps up by touching on Harvard as an institution, conspiracy theories about UAPs and TikTok, and questioning conventional wisdom about fundraising and growth.
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You can find Auren Hoffman on X at @auren and Sarah Tavel on X at @sarahtavel.