Wade Foster (CEO) built Zapier into a profitable powerhouse without traditional VC funding—just $1M post-YC, then profitable ever since. On this episode, the co-founder and CEO shares how that capital discipline shaped their ability to pivot hard when AI hit.
Wade also dishes on:
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The GPT-4 moment that shifted Zapier's roadmap
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A tested formula for AI agents that actually work
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How to incentivize internal AI adoption
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: Wade Foster and the Age of Agents
02:38 Zapier's Origin: Solving the SaaS Integration Problem
04:14 From Zaps to Agents: The Evolution of Automation
05:07 How GPT-4 Changed Zapier's Internal Strategy
06:43 Unstructured Data and the Rise of Vibe Building
09:56 Why Long-Term Product Roadmaps Are Now Obsolete
13:00 Transitioning from PLG to Enterprise Amidst Competition
17:58 What Actually Works: Defining Successful Agentic Workflows
20:59 Building an AI-Literate Company Culture
26:18 Future Outlook: AI Bubbles vs. Product Reality
27:38 Navigating Board Expectations During Technology Shifts
30:23 Zapier's Capital Efficiency and Fundraising History
33:58 Founder Advice: Prioritizing Long-Term Thinking
