324: 2025 predictions with Dave Kellogg: The Future of AI, SaaS, and Business

Dave Kellogg is a seasoned venture capitalist, serial tech executive, and one of the most respected voices in SaaS metrics. As an Entrepreneur in Residence at Balderton Capital, he brings decades of experience leading companies like Host Analytics, Salesforce, MarkLogic, and Business Objects (acquired by SAP). A sought-after speaker, Dave’s SaaStr talks consistently rank among the most watched, and he’s known for his bold predictions and sharp analysis of industry trends. He is also an advisor, director, blogger, and podcaster, sharing insights that shape the future of SaaS and enterprise software.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Dave Kellogg’s bold predictions for 2025 and how he scored himself on last year’s forecasts, from AI’s continued hype cycle to the rise of PR as the new SEO.
• Why venture capital is evolving, with AI-first companies reshaping funding strategies and a widening gap between US and European investment trends.
• The future of search—why traditional SEO may be dying and how businesses must adapt to AI-driven content discovery.
• The unlikely revival of branding—how companies are rediscovering brand differentiation in a "sea of sameness" where SaaS products look increasingly alike.
• AI’s impact on SaaS metrics and go-to-market strategies—can AI-driven sales and marketing tools help companies achieve the Rule of 40?
• The future of LinkedIn and social media in business—Dave’s concerns about LinkedIn’s engagement-driven model and why it might be entering the "social media death cycle."

Resources:

• Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter
• Connect with Dave Kellogg on LinkedIn
• AI fun fact article
• On How AI is Making Networks Smart