The Future of AI: Insights from Jason Lemkin on Startups, Investing, and Technology Trends

Jason Lemkin, founder of SaaStr and prominent SaaS investor, recently joined the My First Million podcast to discuss the current state and future of AI, startups, and technology. Here are some key insights from the conversation:

The Rise of AI and Its Impact

Jason shared his experience creating an AI version of himself by ingesting over 20 million words of his own content into a large language model. This AI was able to engage in thousands of conversations, often providing better and more comprehensive answers than Jason himself could.

"It was much better than me because I forget," Jason noted. "It knows it all."

He sees this type of AI assistant becoming commonplace, with people interacting with AI versions of experts and influencers. The technology is advancing rapidly, with tools like Higgsfield.ai able to generate custom video content from just a few images.

Changes in the Startup and Investment Landscape

Jason believes AI is dramatically changing the startup ecosystem:

"Now 0 to 1 [million in revenue] is very likely an AI. You build an incredible tool that no one else can do. You can do a million in a week or two."

However, he cautions that previously successful companies are now at risk of disruption:

"Now everyone beyond 100 million is getting disrupted. There's so many software companies at 100 to 200 to 300 million in revenue that aren't growing anymore."

For investors, Jason sees two main trends:

1. 70% of venture capital is going into growth-stage AI companies
2. Early-stage investing is happening at high valuations with the expectation of high loss rates, but potentially massive outcomes

The Future of Work and Education

Jason shared observations about changing attitudes toward work and education among younger generations:

• Many young people, especially men, are eschewing traditional jobs in favor of making money online
• There's an increased interest in graduate school among some college students, possibly as a way to defer entering the workforce
• Job seekers often have very high salary expectations or prefer not to work at all

"I honestly don't think and I don't mean this negatively I don't think a lot of the current they want to be creators or they want to do other things I just whatever made us want to work the three of us I don't see it in the next generation very rare," Jason observed.

AI's Impact on Employment and Productivity

Jason predicts significant job losses in certain sectors due to AI:

"Half of our sales and marketing teams are going to be gone in two years. There will be no BDRs in a year."

However, he also sees AI dramatically increasing individual productivity. His own company, SaaStr, now operates with just 5 employees and generates $5 million per person in revenue, largely enabled by AI tools.

Advice for Founders and Investors

Jason emphasized the importance of relentless recruiting and strong communication skills for founders. He looks for entrepreneurs who can craft compelling cold emails and demonstrate their ability to build great products.

For investors, he advises focusing on finding truly exceptional companies:

"I've decided that I'll get one at least one $10 billion deal done in the next three years, two years. One, no matter I I I'm only in it for one."

The Changing Nature of Software and Interfaces

Jason predicts a shift away from traditional software interfaces:

"People are not going to want to use these dated interfaces anymore. So even if it is benefiting the big guys today, um what is the value of of a CRM if I don't you log into the app anymore?"

He sees a future where AI assistants mediate most of our interactions with software and data.

Conclusion

The conversation with Jason Lemkin highlights the transformative potential of AI across multiple industries and aspects of life. While the rapid pace of change creates both excitement and anxiety, it's clear that AI will continue to reshape the technology landscape, startup ecosystem, and nature of work in the coming years. Founders, investors, and professionals in all fields will need to adapt to this new paradigm to remain competitive and relevant.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53ADYulqo8w