The Official SaaStr Podcast: SaaS | Founders | Investors

SaaStr 838: The Present and Future of AI in Sales and GTM with SaaStr's CEO and Owner's CRO Jason Lemkin on Going All-In on AI Agents: 20 Agents, Zero SDRs, and the Death of Mid-Pack Sales Jason Lemkin, Founder and CEO of SaaStr, sits down with Kyle Norton, CRO at Owner, to share the raw story of how frustration with sales team turnover pushed him to deploy 20 AI agents in under a year, and why we'll never go back. In this episode, we cover: → Why Jason stopped hiring SDRs after two senior reps ghosted him right before SaaStr Annual → The real reason most AI agent deployments fail (hint: it's not the technology) → How to pick your first AI vendor: "Talk to your forward deployed engineer before you sign" → Why Salesforce is having a Renaissance as the hub for AI agents → The brutal truth about mid-pack sales jobs being in "terminal decline" → How to get started with AI agents when your CFO won't give you budget → AgentForce vs. the hot startups: what actually works in production → Why the $250K SDR is coming, but only for the truly elite Jason's advice for revenue leaders: "Roll up your sleeves. If you haven't trained an agent yourself, you'll be utterly ignorant in the age of AI." 🔗 See the AI agents SaaStr uses: saastr.ai/agents  --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by HappyFox: Imagine having AI agents for every support task — one that triages tickets, another that catches duplicates, one that spots churn risks. That'd be pretty amazing, right? HappyFox just made it real with Autopilot. These pre-built AI agents deploy in about 60 seconds and run for as low as 2 cents per successful action. All of it sits inside the HappyFox omnichannel, AI-first support stack — Chatbot, Copilot, and Autopilot working as one. Check them out at happyfox.com/saastr --------------------- Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.  With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.   But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.  Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.

SaaStr 837: 10 Things To Do Right Now  to Become AI Native with Filevine's CEO & Founder Ryan Anderson, Co-Founder and CEO of Filevine, shares the playbook for how his legal tech company successfully transitioned from a traditional SaaS business to an AI-native company, now generating more new revenue from AI products than their core SaaS platform. With 6,000 customers, 700 employees, and $200M+ ARR growing at nearly 60%, Filevine has cracked the code on AI transformation. Ryan breaks down the strategic, technical, and cultural changes required to make the shift. Key Takeaways: Nothing is Sacred – Be prepared to tear down working systems that don't serve your AI future. Use a simple framework: keep what's critical to your competitive moat and keeps you fast; eliminate what slows you down. Content → Context – Your SaaS data becomes the competitive advantage when it serves as context for AI agents. Think Cher's closet in Clueless—you need both the organized system AND the AI. Restructure Your Architecture – AI can't just be "sprinkled on top." Your ML team needs to own the AI data layer and iterate daily without bottlenecks. Hire AI Natives – They want access to rich data and distribution. Sell them on what you have that AI-only startups don't. Consider Acquisitions – Filevine acquired Parrot to jumpstart their ML capabilities. Speed matters. Rebrand with Intent – Signal the change internally and externally. It's symbolic but powerful. Obsess Over Usage – If you can't measure it, don't ship it. Track DAU/WAU/MAU religiously. Leverage Your Data – Control API access, monitor AI traffic for product ideas, and don't give away your advantage for free. Price to Dominate – Your high SaaS margins let you undercut AI-only competitors on blended gross margin. Build One Product – Stop selling to customers who won't buy AI. Assume AI is implicit in everything you build. About the Speaker: Ryan Anderson is the Co-Founder and CEO of Filevine, an AI-powered legal operating system. Under his leadership, Filevine has achieved 96% gross revenue retention and 124% net revenue retention while successfully pivoting to AI-native operations. --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by HappyFox: Imagine having AI agents for every support task — one that triages tickets, another that catches duplicates, one that spots churn risks. That'd be pretty amazing, right? HappyFox just made it real with Autopilot. These pre-built AI agents deploy in about 60 seconds and run for as low as 2 cents per successful action. All of it sits inside the HappyFox omnichannel, AI-first support stack — Chatbot, Copilot, and Autopilot working as one. Check them out at happyfox.com/saastr --------------------- Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.  With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.  But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.  Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.

SaaStr 836: The Step-By-Step Playbook for Building AI-Powered GTM Teams with Personio's CRO Philip Lacor, CRO of Personio, shares his company's journey to building an AI-powered go-to-market motion, including 5 critical lessons learned and 4 real-world use cases delivering measurable results. In this podcast, Philip breaks down: ✅ The 5 lessons for AI transformation: top-down + bottom-up motion, cross-functional teams, prioritization frameworks, building AI culture, and combining great stack with context  ✅ How to build AI-powered workflows that actually work (not just more tools to test)  ✅ Real use cases: Win/loss analysis, expansion SDR assistants, intent scoring, and AI chat ✅ Why their expansion SDRs went from 2 hours of research per day to 15 minutes while doubling pipeline per rep ✅ The truth about AI ROI: where it shows up and how long it takes  ✅ How to get your team excited about AI (not scared of it) Philip doesn't hold back on what's working, what's failed, and what questions they still haven't answered. If you're a CRO, founder, or GTM leader trying to figure out how to actually implement AI beyond the hype, this is the playbook.  --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by HappyFox: Imagine having AI agents for every support task — one that triages tickets, another that catches duplicates, one that spots churn risks. That'd be pretty amazing, right? HappyFox just made it real with Autopilot. These pre-built AI agents deploy in about 60 seconds and run for as low as 2 cents per successful action. All of it sits inside the HappyFox omnichannel, AI-first support stack — Chatbot, Copilot, and Autopilot working as one. Check them out at happyfox.com/saastr   ---------------------   Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.    With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.     But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.    Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there. --------------------- More from SaaStr: https://www.saastr.com 📺 Subscribe for more AI & SaaS insights #AIinSales #GTM #SaaStr #AIAgents #SalesAI #RevenueOperations

SaaStr 835: AI + B2B in 2026: Find the Tailwinds or Get Left Behind with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin Software spend is set to hit record levels in 2026, but you're not getting any of it unless you change. SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin breaks down the paradox facing B2B companies right now: It's never been easier to scale to $100M (for a select few), while everyone else struggles. Half of all VC dollars are going into just 4 deals. IPOs ended the year with a whimper. And that AI copilot you built? It doesn't count. In this session, Jason shares the data on what's actually happening and what you need to do to capture your share of the hundreds of billions flowing into software. Key insights: Why "seed is for suckers" in today's VC environment The 3 types of AI products that unlock budget (and the one that doesn't) Why 30% of new IT budget is going to AI and how to steal it The TAM expansion math behind Cursor, Gamma, and AI SDR tools Why copilots and AI features alone won't save you The efficiency metrics every founder needs to track in 2026 If you didn't reaccelerate growth in 2025, you get a D. You can't get a D in 2026. 🎤 Recorded at SaaStr London AI Summit | December 2025  --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by HappyFox: Imagine having AI agents for every support task — one that triages tickets, another that catches duplicates, one that spots churn risks. That'd be pretty amazing, right? HappyFox just made it real with Autopilot. These pre-built AI agents deploy in about 60 seconds and run for as low as 2 cents per successful action. All of it sits inside the HappyFox omnichannel, AI-first support stack — Chatbot, Copilot, and Autopilot working as one. Check them out at happyfox.com/saastr   ---------------------   Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.    With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.     But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.    Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.

SaaStr 834: Why OpenAI Doesn't Pay Sales Commission (And Why It Works) with OpenAI GTM Leader Maggie Hott, and Harry Stebbings, Founder of 20VC Discover how OpenAI's unique approach to B2B sales compensation is changing the game. In this interview with Harry Stebbings, Founder of 20VC, Maggie Hott, OpenAI GTM leadership, shares her experience at OpenAI, including why they don't pay sales commissions, and what B2B sales leaders can learn from this disruptive model. --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by HappyFox: Imagine having AI agents for every support task — one that triages tickets, another that catches duplicates, one that spots churn risks. That'd be pretty amazing, right? HappyFox just made it real with Autopilot. These pre-built AI agents deploy in about 60 seconds and run for as low as 2 cents per successful action. All of it sits inside the HappyFox omnichannel, AI-first support stack — Chatbot, Copilot, and Autopilot working as one. Check them out at happyfox.com/saastr --------------------- Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.  With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.   But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.  Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.

SaaStr 833: AI and the Death of the 2021 Sales Playbook with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin Join SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin from SaaStr London as we tackle pressing topics in AI and sales during an engaging AMA session. From discussing the evolution of inbound vs. outbound sales to detailing the transformative impact of AI on sales roles and outbound strategies, this session covers it all. Learn about the importance of product expertise for selling AI solutions, the rise of AI SDRs, and why knowing your top three problems is crucial for effective outbound marketing. Plus, discover insights on the rapidly improving capabilities of AI agents and their implications for competitive moats. Whether you're a sales professional, marketer, or tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable insights and future trends in the AI landscape.  --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by HappyFox: Imagine having AI agents for every support task — one that triages tickets, another that catches duplicates, one that spots churn risks. That'd be pretty amazing, right? HappyFox just made it real with Autopilot. These pre-built AI agents deploy in about 60 seconds and run for as low as 2 cents per successful action. All of it sits inside the HappyFox omnichannel, AI-first support stack — Chatbot, Copilot, and Autopilot working as one. Check them out at happyfox.com/saastr   --------------------- Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.  With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professionals, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.   But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.  Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.

SaaStr 832: How to Use AI to Hyper-Customize Go-To-Market at Scale with SaaStr's CEO and Chief AI Officer In this episode from SaaStr AI London 2025,  SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin and SaaStr's Chief AI Officer, Amelia Lerutte discuss the implementation and optimization of AI SDRs within various business contexts. They focus on key AI agents used for sales processes, data aggregation, and the customization of outbound and inbound messages. Real-world results, like increased email response rates, are highlighted along with practical steps for setting up and training AI SDRs. They also offer advice on selecting the right vendors, the importance of human oversight, and leveraging AI to improve qualification and customer interactions. Key takeaways include how AI can handle more interactions consistently and efficiently and the role of AI in augmenting human sales capabilities.  --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by HappyFox: Imagine having AI agents for every support task — one that triages tickets, another that catches duplicates, one that spots churn risks. That'd be pretty amazing, right? HappyFox just made it real with Autopilot. These pre-built AI agents deploy in about 60 seconds and run for as low as 2 cents per successful action. All of it sits inside the HappyFox omnichannel, AI-first support stack — Chatbot, Copilot, and Autopilot working as one. Check them out at happyfox.com/saastr  --------------------- Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.  With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.   But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.  Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.

SaaStr 831: How We Use 20+ AI Agents for Marketing & Go-to-Market with SaaStr's Chief AI Officer and CEO & Founder Join us for part two of our series on leveraging AI tools for Go-To-Market in B2B/SaaS. In this episode, SaaStr's CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin, and SaaStr's Chief AI Officer, Amelia Lerutte discuss the importance and current state of AI in marketing, highlighting their key tech stack and tools.   They share their experiences and insights in utilizing these tools for creating personalized marketing collateral, automating content repurposing, and optimizing email campaigns with AI. Learn about the convergence of sales and marketing tools, the future of AI in go-to-market strategies, and how specialized AI agents can dramatically improve your outreach, lead generation, and content creation processes.   --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by Salesforce: Connect data, automate busywork and empower teams like nobody's business with the one platform that grows with you, every step of the way. Learn how Salesforce works for Startups at salesforce.com/smb.  --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by HappyFox: Imagine having AI agents for every support task — one that triages tickets, another that catches duplicates, one that spots churn risks. That'd be pretty amazing, right? HappyFox just made it real with Autopilot. These pre-built AI agents deploy in about 60 seconds and run for as low as 2 cents per successful action. All of it sits inside the HappyFox omnichannel, AI-first support stack — Chatbot, Copilot, and Autopilot working as one. Check them out at happyfox.com/saastr ---------------------   Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.  With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.   But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.  Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.

SaaStr 830: 6 Months Later, How Our AI SDRs Actually Work as AI Runs GTM with SaaStr's CEO and Chief AI Officer In this episode, SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin and SaaStr's Chief AI Officer, Amelia Lerutte delve into their journey of integrating AI into our go-to-market strategy over the past six months. Starting with just one AI agent before SaaStr Annual in May, we've scaled to roughly 20 core agents by November, covering various use cases across marketing, sales, customer support, and operations. Together they discuss the specifics of our AI implementations, the tools we have deployed, including Artisan, Qualified, and Salesforce's AgentForce, and share valuable insights on their performance, benefits, and challenges. Tune in to learn about the unexpected outcomes, the time and management required, and the significant impact on our efficiency and revenue.   --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by Salesforce: Connect data, automate busywork and empower teams like nobody's business with the one platform that grows with you, every step of the way. Learn how Salesforce works for Startups at salesforce.com/smb.    --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by HappyFox: Imagine having AI agents for every support task — one that triages tickets, another that catches duplicates, one that spots churn risks. That'd be pretty amazing, right? HappyFox just made it real with Autopilot. These pre-built AI agents deploy in about 60 seconds and run for as low as 2 cents per successful action. All of it sits inside the HappyFox omnichannel, AI-first support stack — Chatbot, Copilot, and Autopilot working as one. Check them out at happyfox.com/saastr

SaaStr 829: A Hands-On Guide to SaaStr's New AI Tools with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin We delve into the functionalities of our SaaStr AI tools, including the AI Mentor, which has been engaged over 100,000 times, providing answers to various startup-related queries.   You'll see a demonstration of how our AI VC tools, including a startup valuation calculator, pitch deck analyzer, and benchmarking tool, work effectively to help startups understand their valuations, get honest feedback on pitch decks, and connect with VCs.   Additionally, explore our newly launched VC matchmaking system and other AI agents that have been integral in automating and enhancing SaaStr's operations. Experience these tools firsthand and discover how they can add value to your startup journey. Visit SaaStr.ai to access these tools for free and see the comprehensive suite of AI agents that we use.   00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:14 Exploring SaaStr AI Tools 01:15 Deep Dive into Digital Jason 04:20 AI VC Tools and Fundraising 05:26 Startup Valuation Calculator 06:07 Pitch Deck Analyzer 16:16 Benchmarking Your Startup 18:51 VC Matchmaking and Research 21:58 Conclusion and Q&A   --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by Salesforce: Connect data, automate busywork and empower teams like nobody's business with the one platform that grows with you, every step of the way. Learn how Salesforce works for Startups at salesforce.com/smb.   --------------------- If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December.   SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year.    We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.    Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com   ---------------------   Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.    With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.     But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.    Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.

SaaStr 828: The AI Revolution in B2B: Insights from SaaStr CEO Jason Lemkin and SaaStr Chief AI Officer Amelia Lerutte, and Qualified's CEO Kraig Swensrud Join Kraig Swensrud, founder and CEO of Qualified, as he sits down with Jason Lemkin, CEO & Founder SaaStr, and Amelia LeRutte, Chief AI Officer at SaaStr. In this insightful discussion, they explore the current landscape of AI in business, including the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI agents into companies. From the importance of training to the pressures of staying ahead in AI adoption, this conversation offers actionable advice for both startups and established enterprises looking to innovate. Get ready to dive deep into the transformative power of AI in the go-to-market strategies and beyond.  --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by Salesforce: Connect data, automate busywork and empower teams like nobody's business with the one platform that grows with you, every step of the way. Learn how Salesforce works for Startups at salesforce.com/smb.  --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by Intercom: Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr. --------------------- If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December. SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year.  We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.  Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com --------------------- Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.  With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.   But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.  Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.

Brett Queener is Partner at Bonfire Ventures, a $1B AUM seed-stage fund writing $3-4M checks into application software companies. He was employee #70 at Salesforce.com, where he built go-to-market, launched the AppExchange, and helped scale the company from its earliest days. Previously, he worked at Siebel Systems (the fastest-growing software company of its era) and ran a B2B startup (SmartRecruiters) from pre-revenue to $100M ARR. He writes about the changing software industry in real-time at his Substack. He came to SaaStr Annual + AI Summit for a deep dive on AI and Product. This episode explores the evolution of application software, the increasing pace of product innovation, and the new challenges and opportunities faced by founders. Key topics include the commoditization of tech stacks, the impact of AI on software development, and the importance of rapid product iteration. Learn how to build differentiated products that stand out in a fast-changing landscape, the critical role of onboarding in customer success, and why staying nimble is more essential than ever. Whether you're an entrepreneur or an investor, this discussion offers valuable insights for thriving in today's tech-driven market.   --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by Salesforce: Connect data, automate busywork and empower teams like nobody's business with the one platform that grows with you, every step of the way. Learn how Salesforce works for Startups at salesforce.com/smb.    ---------------------   This episode is Sponsored in part by Intercom:   Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr.   --------------------- If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December.   SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year.    We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.    Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com   ---------------------   Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.    With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.     But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.    Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.  

In this comprehensive session, SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin dives into the latest trends and developments in AI, particularly in the go-to-market (GTM) sector. The session outlines how innovative AI tools are transforming businesses, from AI SDRs and BDRs to forward-deployed engineers. Leaders in the industry are pushing the boundaries, showing higher growth rates and superior marketing efficiency. We also discuss the importance of hands-on deployment and training of AI tools to achieve success, and analyze the current and future impact of AI on B2B companies. Tune in for detailed insights and learn how to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of AI. --------------------- 

This episode is Sponsored in part by Salesforce:

 Connect data, automate busywork and empower teams like nobody's business with the one platform that grows with you, every step of the way. Learn how Salesforce works for Startups at salesforce.com/smb.   --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by Intercom:
 Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr.  --------------------- If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December.   SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year.    We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.    Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com   ---------------------   Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.    With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.     But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.    Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.

SaaStr 825: How the AI Era Has Directly Impacted Marketing and Sales with Snowflake's CMO and Founding CRO Join us for an insightful episode discussing the impact of AI on marketing and sales at Snowflake. Hosts Chris Degnan, founding CRO of Snowflake, and Denise Persson, CMO at Snowflake, delve into how AI has revolutionized their operations. They share key learnings from Snowflake's data cloud market strategies and their record-breaking IPO. Discover the significance of company culture, security, and a centralized data foundation in leveraging AI. Hear about Snowflake's AI Council, customer use cases, task automation, and the consolidation of intelligence teams. Don't miss this comprehensive discussion on the transformative role of AI in the enterprise and valuable hiring insights for staying ahead in the AI era. 00:00 Introduction and Speaker Backgrounds 02:05 Impact of AI on Company Culture 05:09 Snowflake's AI Strategy and Data Security 08:03 AI Use Cases in Marketing 21:26 AI Use Cases in Sales 29:42 Governance and Security in AI Implementation 32:10 AI's Influence on Hiring and Company Growth 34:58 Closing Thoughts and Resources  --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by Salesforce: Connect data, automate busywork and empower teams like nobody's business with the one platform that grows with you, every step of the way. Learn how Salesforce works for Startups at salesforce.com/smb.  --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by Intercom:
  Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr. --------------------- If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December.   SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year.    We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.    Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com   ---------------------   Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.    With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.     But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.    Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.

SaaStr 824: VC in the AI Era - Exactly What's Getting Funded, Why & When with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin In this episode, SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin delves into the current state of venture capital (VC) funding, informed by data from over a thousand reviewed pitch decks and approximately 400,000 startup valuations on SaaStr AI. Learn about the latest trends, what VCs are looking for, and what it takes to secure funding in today's market. We'll discuss the performance metrics and benchmarks necessary for SaaS and AI startups and how AI-native companies are reshaping investment dynamics. Discover SaaStr AI's new tools, including pitch deck reviews and real-time valuation benchmarks, to help you understand where your startup stands and improve your funding prospects.   00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:41 VC Funding Trends and Insights 02:11 Top Quartile SaaS Benchmarks 03:14 AI Native Companies and Hypergrowth 08:00 Public vs. Private Company Growth Expectations 10:22 VC Funding Criteria and Expectations 15:35 SaaStr AI Tools and Resources 20:15 Practical Advice for Founders 26:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts    --------------------- This episode of the SaaStr podcast is Sponsored by Salesforce: Connect data, automate busywork and empower teams like nobody's business with the one platform that grows with you, every step of the way. Learn how Salesforce works for Startups at salesforce.com/smb.  --------------------- This episode of the SaaStr podcast is Sponsored by Intercom:  Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr.  --------------------- If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December.   SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year.    We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.    Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com   ---------------------   Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.    With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.     But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.    Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.

SaaStr 823: Is GTM Really Dead?! with SaaStr CEO Jason Lemkin In this episode, Jason Lemkin, SaaStr CEO and Founder, addresses common misconceptions about traditional go-to-market strategies in the age of AI. Despite claims that outbound marketing, SEO, and old-school tactics are dead, the speaker highlights how leading AI companies are successfully employing these methods with minor tweaks. Drawing from the success stories of OpenAI, Notion, Dialpad, and others, the presenter emphasizes the importance of high-quality content, dynamic sales tactics, and the unmatched potential of AI-driven tools like AI SDRs. He also discusses the necessity of providing substantial ROI from day one and urges marketers to reassess and improve their strategies rather than dismiss them as obsolete. Finally, practical advice is given on optimizing sales and marketing efforts to tap into the booming AI budget effectively.   This episode is sponsored by:   Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr.  This episode is sponsored by: You didn't create a startup to run a small business. Let Salesforce help you connect data, automate busywork and empower employees on the only platform you'll ever need, no matter how big you get. With smarter AI and built-in collaboration tools like Slack, the sky's the limit. Learn how Salesforce works for startups at salesforce.com/smb.   Hey everybody, SaaStr AI in London is this December and we're on track to completely sell out.    Join 2,000 B2B + AI leaders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year.  We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.  Don't miss out: get your tickets while you still can by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com

SaaStr 822: SaaStr's Top 10+ AI Agents: AI SDR, AI BDR, AI RevOps + More: The How, The Who, The Why with SaaStr CEO Jason Lemkin Join us in this comprehensive deep dive into the use of AI agents within SaaStr's operations, as requested by many of our followers.  Led by SaaStr CEO and Founder, Jason Lemkin, and SaaStr Chief AI Officer, Amelia Lerutte, we'll detail our journey from having no AI at the start of the year to utilizing 20 different AI agents, including 11 core ones that we rely on daily. Learn from our insights on our most utilized AI agents, their workings, actual data, and how we manage them for optimal results. Discover specific tools like Artisan, Qualified, Gamma, and Replit, and understand how they're integrated into our outbound, inbound, and sales processes. This episode also covers how we've internally developed AI-powered solutions for speaker application reviews, content review, startup valuation, and more. If you're interested in bringing intelligent automation to your business, this session offers practical advice and firsthand experiences to guide you on your AI journey. --------------------- This episode is brought to you by Intercom:   Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr.   --------------------- If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December.   SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year.    We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.    Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com   ---------------------   Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.    With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.     But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.    Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.

SaaStr 821: Swapping Stories - Building AI-First Companies: Insights from Zapier's CEO and Co-Founder Wade Foster Join us for an in-depth conversation with Wade Foster, co-founder and CEO of Zapier, on the SaaStr AI Swapping Stories Podcast! Wade shares how Zapier is leading the way in AI-powered automation, the evolution from simple workflows to agentic systems, and why AI fluency is now a must-have for every new hire. In this episode, we discuss: The journey of Zapier from integration tool to AI orchestration platform Real-world examples of agentic workflows and automation at scale How Zapier's culture embraces "don't be a robot, build a robot" The impact of AI on sales, customer success, and internal operations Tips for companies looking to hire and upskill for an AI-first future The latest trends in AI tools, including voice-to-text and workflow automation Whether you're a founder, operator, or just curious about the future of work, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. And see you at Zapconnect next week (sign up here - it's free.)  -----------------------------------------------------------------------    Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr.  --------------------- If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December 2nd and 3rd.   SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year.  We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.  Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com ---------------------   Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.    With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.     But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.    Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.

SaaStr 820: The Complete Guide  to Vibe Coding  Without a Developer with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of vibe coding with a prosumer approach. SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin shares his extensive journey of building production-ready applications without a developer, using platforms like Replit and Lovable. From initial excitement to hard-earned lessons, learn about the strengths, challenges, and key takeaways from creating and deploying vibe-coded apps. Discover why the hype around 'building an app in 20 minutes' is often misleading, and understand the importance of thorough planning, competitive research, and mastering your platform. Whether you're a founder, aspiring app creator, or tech enthusiast, this episode will provide valuable insights into the future of no-code and low-code development.   ----------------------- This episode is sponsored by Intercom  Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr. --------------------- If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December 2nd and 3rd.   SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year.    We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.    Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com   ---------------------   Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.    With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.     But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.    Lock in your spot today by going to podcast podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.

SaaStr 819: Swapping Notes on the AI Revolution in Marketing with G2's CMO Sydney Sloan Welcome to Swapping Notes, a new SaaStr podcast series where we cut through the AI hype and get real about who's doing what with AI in B2B.  Amelia LeRutte, Chief AI Officer at SaaStr, and co-host Guillaume Cabane, Co-Founder and General Partner at HyperGrowth Partners, sit down with AI leaders from the companies to share notes and stories on what's working in AI.  In this episode, we swap notes with G2's CMO, Sydney Sloan. Together, we deep dive into the evolving role of AI in marketing and buyer behavior. We explore how AI is reshaping the buying process, the significance of brand trust, and the future of web experiences. The episode also covers the importance of AI orchestration roles and practical advice for founders and CMOs to adapt to the rapid advancements in AI tools and strategies. Tune in to discover insights on how to effectively integrate AI into your marketing efforts and stay ahead in the dynamic landscape. ---------------------   Fin is the #1 AI Agent for resolving complex queries like refunds, transaction disputes, and technical troubleshooting—all with speed and reliability. See how Fin can deliver the highest resolution rates and highest-quality customer experience at fin.ai/saastr. --------------------- If you're serious about B2B and AI, you need to be in London this December 2nd and 3rd.   SaaStr AI London is bringing together more than 2,000 leaders and founders for two days of practical advice on scaling into the new year.    We'll have speakers flying in from OpenAI, Wiz, Clay, Intercom, and all your favorite SaaS companies, including yours truly with Harry Stebbings for a live 20VC podcast. It'll be fun, and it's all in the heart of London.    Don't miss out: get your tickets with my exclusive discount by going to podcast.saastrlondon.com   ---------------------   Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026.    With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.     But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait.    Lock in your spot today by going to podcast podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.