20VC: Why SaaS is Dead | Why AI First Companies Will Win | We are in the Middle of a Cold War for AI Talent | Why Europe is F******* and We Need to Stop Whining with Daniel Khachab, Co-Founder @ Choco
Oct 28, 2024
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Daniel Khachab, co-founder and CEO of Choco, shares insights on the shift from SaaS to AI-first companies, claiming SaaS is dead. He discusses how AI will dominate the next decade and the vulnerabilities of traditional models. The conversation dives into Europe's challenges in the AI talent race, emphasizing the pressing need for innovation in chip production and renewable energy. Khachab also highlights the emotional toll of workforce changes during this transition, showcasing the resilience required for startups in today's landscape.
The shift from SaaS to AI-first models highlights a critical evolution in technology, emphasizing efficiency and proactive adaptation to avoid obsolescence.
An intensifying global competition for AI talent mirrors a cold war, with countries striving to attract and develop skilled professionals amid rising demand.
Europe faces substantial challenges in establishing an AI leadership position due to deficiencies in chip production and regulatory hurdles that stall progress.
Deep dives
The Shift from SaaS to AI-First Models
A SaaS company pivoted to become AI-first, highlighting a significant trend where traditional software models are seen as outdated. The CEO experienced sleepless nights contemplating the rapid advancements in AI and the potential risks of being disrupted by competitors. Rather than passively waiting for disruption, the company took proactive steps to capture AI's opportunities while recognizing the necessity to upskill their workforce. This shift illustrates a broader market trend where businesses must adapt or face obsolescence as AI technology evolves.
The Talent Cold War in AI
There is an emerging competitive landscape for AI talent that resembles a cold war, with countries vying to attract top professionals. Government initiatives offer attractive incentives for AI companies to relocate their teams, which intensifies the competition internationally. This competition is not limited to Europe; substantial governmental backing in countries like the US and the UAE positions them as leading destinations for AI talent. As demand for skilled AI professionals surges, access to this talent becomes a critical factor for the success of SaaS and AI-driven companies.
The Future of Work with AI Integration
The podcast discusses how the rise of AI will fundamentally alter the job market and the nature of work. Many jobs will change significantly, leading to the automation of repetitive tasks, thereby increasing productivity. For instance, customer service roles are facing substantial reductions due to AI efficiencies. Companies will need to rethink how they structure roles, transitioning to an environment where employees collaborate with AI rather than perform rudimentary tasks.
SaaS is Dead: The Agentification of Software
An assertion is made that traditional SaaS models are giving way to an 'agentification' of software, changing how businesses interact with technology. Automation through agents will enable users to perform complex tasks through simple prompts instead of navigating multiple software interfaces. This shift promises increased efficiency and user adoption, as the need for extensive training diminishes. The change signifies a transition from traditional user interfaces to conversational technology that mimics real-human interaction.
Europe's Challenges in the AI Race
The podcast highlights Europe's struggles in establishing itself as a leader in AI technology due to a lack of foundational capacity like chip production and energy generation. It contrasts Europe’s slow progress with aggressive investments and faster adaptiveness in the US and Middle East. Companies in Europe face significant hurdles such as regulatory challenges and a fragmented market that hampers rapid innovation. The urgency for Europe to overcome these obstacles and foster its own talent and infrastructure for AI development is emphasized as critical for maintaining competitiveness.
Daniel Khachab is the co-founder and CEO of Choco. Today, Choco’s AI platform facilitates half of all food traded in major cities like New York, Paris, London, and Berlin, cutting food waste and streamlining distribution. Since its founding in 2018, Choco has raised $330 million from Bessemer, Coatue (its first European investment), and Insight, reaching unicorn status within 2.5 years. Previously, Daniel was the youngest Managing Director at Rocket Internet, where he oversaw growth across Latin America, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
From Seed to $1BN in 30 Months:
1. We Killed a $BN SaaS Business to be AI First:
Why does Daniel believe that SaaS is dead?
What does an AI-first company mean?
Why does Daniel believe AI-first companies will win the next 10 years?
What foundation models does Daniel and Choco use today?
How has the cost of using different models changed?
What categories are vulnerable to being attacked with vertical products from the foundation model providers?
2. Europe is F*******: Why and What To Do:
Why does Daniel believe Europe is at a massive disadvantage in the next 10 years of AI?
Chips: What can Europe do to encourage chip production and manufacturing to take place on European soil?
Energy: What can European governments do to encourage energy providers and new forms of renewable energy to innovate to provide the energy AI needs?
Talent: Why does Daniel believe AI talent is the hardest problem that Europe faces? What can governments in EU do to resolve this problem?
3. Lessons Scaling to $1BN in 30 Months:
Does Daniel regret raising at a $1.1BN valuation?
Why did he throw a unicorn party with the round? Why does he regret it so much?
What did Daniel spend money on that he wish he had not spent money on?
What did Daniel not spend money on that with the benefit of hindsight, they should have spent money on?
When your competition raises a lot of funding, does that mean you should also?
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