Focus Vertically Rather Than Horizontally

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.