Jared Sleeper on Which Software Companies Will Survive the SaaSpocalypse | Odd Lots

Jared Sleeper on Which Software Companies Will Survive the SaaSpocalypse | Odd Lots

Summary

~1.0 min read
The software industry is experiencing a severe downturn, dubbed the "SaaSpocalypse," with major companies like Salesforce seeing share prices cut in half. This panic is driven by two main fears: 1. **Software development is becoming dramatically cheaper** due to AI and cloud code, suggesting existing software companies might be overvalued. 2. **AI could fundamentally transform knowledge work** within a few years, potentially eliminating roles like customer support or sales reps, thereby reducing the need for current software solutions. However, experts argue this view is simplistic. Software companies offer far more than just code, including complex ecosystems, integrations, and network effects. Historically, businesses outsourced software because it was expensive and difficult to build and maintain internally. These companies provide specialized solutions at a fraction of the cost of in-house development. A lack of deep product understanding among many investors may be exacerbating the panic.