Box CEO Aaron Levie on AI's Impact on Enterprise SaaS

Aaron Levie on the Future of SaaS and AI Agents

Aaron Levie, co-founder and CEO of Box, anticipates a future where AI agents complement, rather than replace, enterprise SaaS (software-as-a-service) companies. He articulated this view while speaking at the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 conference on Wednesday.

The Importance of Deterministic Systems

Levie explained that established business processes benefit from being defined within deterministic systems. This is due to the inherent risk associated with unpredictable changes in operations.

He emphasized the need for separation between the reliable, deterministic core of software and the more variable, non-deterministic aspects introduced by AI agents. Instances of data breaches and unintended operational disruptions caused by agents highlight this necessity.

A Hybrid Approach to Enterprise Software

The envisioned future involves SaaS platforms handling core business workflows, with AI agents functioning as an overlay. These agents would assist in decision-making, workflow automation, and accelerating existing processes.

Impact on SaaS Business Models

This shift will significantly alter the traditional business model for enterprise SaaS. Levie predicts a substantial increase in the number of AI agents compared to human users.

Consequently, the conventional “per-seat” pricing structure will become unsustainable. Instead, SaaS companies will need to adopt consumption-based or volume-oriented pricing models tailored to AI agent usage.

Opportunities for Startups

The evolving landscape presents a significant market opportunity for startups focused on building for the “agent-first” era. Larger companies face challenges integrating agents into pre-existing systems.

Startups, unburdened by legacy processes, can design entirely new workflows optimized for AI agents. This allows for more agile and innovative solutions.

Facilitating Change Management

There is a clear need for solutions that simplify the transition to agent-driven workflows within the enterprise. Startups can capitalize on this by developing tools to ease change management.

A Period of Platform Shift

Levie encouraged entrepreneurs to leverage this transformative period in technology. He believes we are currently experiencing a platform shift not seen in approximately 15 years.

This shift creates a unique opportunity for a new generation of companies to emerge and establish themselves. He urged aspiring founders to fully capitalize on this moment.