The Official SaaStr Podcast: SaaS | Founders | Investors

SaaStr 825: The State of AI + Software: Where It's Going - Fast

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Oct 22, 2025

Discover how AI is reshaping the go-to-market strategies with cutting-edge tools and innovative approaches. Learn why hands-on deployment and training are critical for success in AI integration. Hear about the impressive growth rates of AI-native companies and how they achieve efficient sales and marketing payback. Explore the shift to leaner teams leveraging AI SDRs and the importance of adapting traditional playbooks for the AI era. Finally, get insights on the booming venture capital interest in high-growth AI firms.

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INSIGHT

Learn By Doing Deployments

To learn AI GTM, be part of a deployment and train the tool yourself during onboarding.
Buying and forgetting a tool teaches you nothing and guarantees failure later.

INSIGHT

Growth Can Outweigh AI Costs

AI-native companies often grow so fast that growth outpaces higher token and compute costs.
That rapid growth can make their gross efficiency and burn multiples significantly better than classic SaaS.

INSIGHT

Demand Lowers Customer Acquisition Payback

Top AI B2B companies get extraordinary inbound demand because they enable capabilities that were impossible before.
That high demand yields much better sales-and-marketing payback (magic numbers) than traditional SaaS.

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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.