SaaS Backwards - Reverse Engineering SaaS Success

Ep. 163 - Is Your SaaS Ready for the Agentic AI Era?

4 snips

Apr 25, 2025

Guest

James Ollerenshaw

Guest

Rob Curtis

Rob Curtis, co-founder of Standup Hiro and tech innovator, joins marketing guru James Ollerenshaw to discuss the paradigm shift Agentic AI brings to SaaS. They explore the emergence of true AI co-workers, emphasizing the necessity for natural language interfaces that replace conventional clicks. The duo highlights the critical importance of establishing trust in AI, as enterprises tend to be less forgiving of machine errors. They argue that companies must rethink their products fundamentally—not just slap on AI features—to thrive in this evolving landscape.

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INSIGHT

Agentic AI as True Co-Workers

Agentic AI will redefine SaaS from simple roles to true AI co-workers collaborating with users.
This shift from copilots to partners will require SaaS leaders to rethink product design and go-to-market strategies.

INSIGHT

Natural Language Interfaces Rise

Natural language interfaces will become standard for SaaS apps, replacing clunky dashboards.
Users expect to interact by talking naturally, making software more accessible and intuitive.

ADVICE

Ensure AI Reliability With Humans

SaaS companies need to balance AI capabilities with reliability to gain enterprise trust.
Always include human oversight where risk or accuracy matters to ensure consistent quality.

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Guests: Ken Lempit, James Ollerenshaw, and Rob Curtis

AI isn’t just a bolt-on anymore—it’s rewriting the rules of SaaS from the ground up.

In this episode, Standup Hiro co-founder Rob Curtis and tech strategist James Ollerenshaw join host and GTM expert Ken Lempit to unpack how Agentic AI is forcing SaaS leaders to rethink everything: product design, go-to-market, customer trust, and even internal culture.

From natural language interfaces to the rise of AI “co-workers,” they break down why SaaS companies that adapt will dominate—and why bolt-on AI features won't be enough to survive.

📌 Key Takeaways:

The Age of AI Co-Workers
Forget copilots. The next SaaS revolution will be about true AI teammates—systems that work with you, not just for you.
Natural Language is the New UI
SaaS buyers are expecting to talk, not click. Voice-first experiences and conversational commands will soon be table stakes.
Trust Is the New Battlefield
Enterprises are more forgiving of human errors than machine mistakes. To win with AI, SaaS leaders must prove not just capability, but reliability.
Bolt-Ons vs. Reinvention
Tacking AI onto legacy products won’t cut it. Companies willing to re-architect around AI-native principles will seize the biggest opportunities.
Invisible Software is Coming
Many SaaS tools will fade into the background, powering workflows behind the scenes. The battle for customer love (and margin) starts now.

Heads up: This episode runs longer than usual—but for good reason.
We go deep into the real-world implications of Agentic AI, from product strategy to pricing models, trust, and the future of SaaS UX. If you're a SaaS leader trying to stay ahead of the AI curve, every minute is packed with actionable insights that could reshape how you build, sell, and scale.

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