The new AI growth playbook for 2026: How Lovable hit $200M ARR in one year | Elena Verna (Head of Growth)

In this episode of Lenny's Podcast, Elena Verna, Head of Growth at Lovable, discusses the unique growth strategies employed by AI companies, highlighting how traditional growth playbooks no longer fully apply. Elena shares Lovable's impressive growth stats, reaching $200 million ARR in under a year with a small team, and emphasizes the importance of innovation, building in public, and giving away the product to drive word-of-mouth. The conversation covers the shift from optimizing existing user journeys to launching new features, the evolving role of marketing with a focus on social media and founder-led content, and the need to prioritize "minimum lovable product" over minimum viable product. Elena also touches on the challenges of maintaining product-market fit in the rapidly changing AI landscape, the importance of community, and her concerns about women's representation and adoption of AI technologies. She offers advice for those considering working in AI, emphasizing the need for adaptability and boundary-setting, and shares insights into Lovable's unique company culture and hiring practices.