SaaS in its current form is dead: Freshworks Founder Girish on AI
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been transforming industries across the globe, and the software-as-a-service (SaaS) sector is no exception. Cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) company Freshworks’ Founder Girish Mathrubootham recently made a bold statement, stating that “SaaS in its current form is dead.” This statement has sent shockwaves throughout the tech industry, leaving many wondering what the future holds for SaaS.
In an interview with Moneycontrol, Girish shared his thoughts on the impact of AI on the SaaS industry. According to him, AI is both exciting and scary. Exciting because it has the potential to disrupt other industries, and scary because it is also disrupting the SaaS industry itself. He emphasized that companies that are stuck in old ways of building and selling software won’t survive.
Girish’s statement is a wake-up call for the SaaS industry, which has been growing rapidly over the past decade. The shift to cloud-based software has made it easier for companies to access and use software applications without the need for expensive hardware or maintenance. This shift has led to the rise of SaaS companies, which have disrupted traditional software industries and created new opportunities for innovation.
However, the SaaS industry is facing a new challenge with the rapid advancement of AI. AI has the potential to automate many tasks, making it more efficient and cost-effective. However, it also poses a threat to jobs and the traditional way of doing business. Girish’s statement suggests that companies that are not adapting to the changing landscape will be left behind.
So, what does the future hold for SaaS? According to Girish, the industry needs to adapt and evolve to remain competitive. This means embracing AI and using it to improve the way software is developed, marketed, and sold. It also means finding new ways to create value for customers, beyond just providing a software application.
Girish’s statement is not just a call to action for SaaS companies, but also a warning to traditional software companies that are slow to adapt. The rise of SaaS has already disrupted traditional software industries, and AI is likely to accelerate this trend. Companies that are not willing to adapt and evolve will be left behind, and those that do will thrive.
So, what does this mean for entrepreneurs and startups in the SaaS space? According to Girish, the key to success is to be willing to adopt and evolve. This means embracing AI and using it to improve the way software is developed, marketed, and sold. It also means finding new ways to create value for customers, beyond just providing a software application.
Girish also emphasized the importance of customer-centricity. According to him, companies that focus on their customers and understand their needs will be better equipped to adapt to the changing landscape. He also emphasized the importance of innovation, and the need for companies to continuously innovate and find new ways to create value for customers.
In conclusion, Girish’s statement that “SaaS in its current form is dead” is a wake-up call for the SaaS industry. It highlights the need for companies to adapt and evolve in response to the rapid advancement of AI. The future of SaaS is likely to be shaped by the ability of companies to adopt and evolve, and those that do will be the ones that thrive.
