AI won't kill SaaS, it will make the winners even stronger

AI won't kill SaaS, it will make the winners even stronger

Many founders wonder whether AI will make existing software companies obsolete. Valentijn Destoop disagrees. Combining academic research at Antwerp Management School, hands-on experience building an AI robotics company and advising technology scale-ups, he believes AI is forcing every company to reinvent itself, but that doesn't mean established businesses are doomed. At the AI Summer School this September, he'll explain why strategy matters far more than hype.  

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Many founders fear AI will disrupt their business. Should they?

Valentijn Destoop: “They should take it seriously, but they shouldn't panic. What we're seeing is that AI is fundamentally reshaping how software companies operate. Many manual activities inside SaaS businesses can now be automated, making those companies far more efficient than before.”

“The companies that successfully make that transition will end up with stronger business models, not weaker ones.”  

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You often distinguish between different stages of AI adoption. What do you mean?

Destoop: “Today I see three waves. The first is simply using AI to become more productive in your daily work. The second is using AI to actually build products and automate workflows. That's where many scale-ups are today, and also where most of the organisational challenges arise.”

“The third wave consists of AI-native companies, where AI agents become part of the operating model itself. That vision attracts a lot of attention, but we're still in the early stages. We don't yet see many proven examples creating sustainable value.”  

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Does that mean established scale-ups can still compete with AI-first startups?

Destoop: “Absolutely. Starting from scratch is often easier than transforming an existing company. But established scale-ups already have customers, domain expertise and strong products. The challenge is learning how to reinvent those assets rather than replacing them.”

“Transformation is difficult, but it doesn't mean your business model disappears.”  

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Investors are also looking differently at software companies today. How is AI changing valuations?

Destoop: “The market has become more demanding, but strong SaaS companies are still highly valuable. Investors increasingly want to see that AI is improving efficiency and scalability rather than simply adding another feature. Companies that successfully integrate AI into their operations will be better positioned in the long term.”

“The question is no longer whether you use AI. It's whether AI fundamentally improves how your business creates value. “

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Your work combines research, entrepreneurship and advising scale-ups. Does that change your perspective?

Destoop: “Very much so. My academic research helps me understand the broader evolution of AI. Building an AI robotics company exposes me to the practical realities. Advising scale-ups allows me to see the challenges companies face every day.”

“Those three perspectives reinforce each other. They allow me to separate temporary hype from long-term strategic change.”  

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Finally, why should founders invest two days in the AI Summer School this September?

Destoop: “Because AI is no longer just about technology. It's about strategy. Every founder is asking similar questions: How should my organisation evolve? Which business models remain competitive? Where should I invest? And how do I make decisions while the technology changes every few months?”

“The biggest value isn't just hearing from the speakers. It's spending two days with other founders who are facing exactly the same transformation. Those conversations often become just as valuable as the sessions themselves.”

“If you're leading a scale-up today, this is probably one of the best investments you can make in your own thinking.”

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AI Summer School takes place from 9–11 September in Ostend and brings together a select group of founders and senior leaders to explore how AI is reshaping organisations, teams and business models. Valentijn Destoop will share his perspective on how AI is transforming software companies, what investors are looking for, and how founders can build resilient businesses in an AI-first economy.

👉 Interested? Check https://www.scaleupflanders.com/services/ai-summer-school-2026