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Anish Acharya: Is SaaS Dead in a World of AI?

Technology
Global
Started February 13, 2026

In this episode from 20VC, Harry Stebbings talks with Anish Acharya, general partner at a16z, about the future of SaaS in an AI world. Anish argues that software is completely oversold and that the general story about vibe coding everything is flat wrong. They discuss why SaaS switching costs are actually going down thanks to coding agents, where startups versus incumbents will win, and whether the apps layer or foundation models will capture more value. They also cover agent overhype, the ch...

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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 13, 2026
The rise of AI will diminish the competitive edge of traditional SaaS, making it harder for incumbents to maintain customer loyalty.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 13, 2026
Agent overhype could lead to a misunderstanding of AI's actual capabilities, potentially stalling innovation in the SaaS sector.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 13, 2026
As coding agents reduce switching costs, startups will have a unique opportunity to disrupt established SaaS players in the market.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 13, 2026
The true value of SaaS versus AI-driven models will depend on how well each can adapt to changing consumer needs and technological advancements.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 13, 2026
SaaS remains a vital component of the tech ecosystem, as its integration with AI can enhance functionality rather than replace it.
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