SaaStr 835: AI + B2B in 2026: Find the Tailwinds or Get Left Behind with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin

Jason Lemkin discusses the current SaaS and AI landscape, highlighting a paradox: while scaling to $100 million ARR is faster than ever for a select few, raising capital is harder for most due to concentrated investments in top AI deals. Software spending is re-accelerating, but much of the budget goes to price increases and new AI tools, leaving less for others. IPOs are underperforming, and younger AI companies are dominating, potentially causing VCs to overlook older ventures. To succeed, companies must focus on AI-driven solutions that either replace humans, dramatically augment their capabilities, or offer incredible productivity gains, enabling significant TAM expansion and higher pricing, and emphasizing the importance of gaining market share in the age of AI to avoid obsolescence.