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AI calendar    Jun 24, 2026

Electrifying Growth Episode 75: The Future of Work Is Human and Machine

AI isn't eliminating jobs as quickly as many fear, but it is changing productivity, hiring plans, and software pricing models. Here's what growth-stage leaders should be paying attention to

Chris Sugden
Chris Sugden

 

 

The conversation around AI often centers on job displacement, but growth-stage companies are experiencing a different reality. Across many organizations, AI is not driving widespread layoffs—it is increasing productivity, allowing teams to accomplish more without adding headcount at the same pace.

That shift has important implications for leaders. The companies seeing the greatest returns are not replacing human perspective. Relationship-building, strategic decision-making, and industry expertise remain critical differentiators, while AI accelerates analysis, execution, and operational efficiency.

At the same time, AI is reshaping customer expectations. As users become accustomed to paying for AI tools based on consumption, many software companies are rethinking traditional subscription models and exploring pricing structures that align more closely with customer value.

In this episode of Electrifying Growth, Managing Partner Chris Sugden shares what we're seeing across the portfolio and why AI's biggest impact may be on productivity, business models, and growth strategy.

 

 

Interested in guest-starring on Electrifying Growth? Apply Here to be a guest!
Chris Sugden

Chris is Managing Partner and Chairman of the firm's investment committee. A leading fintech executive and investor for over 25 years (before fintech was fintech), Chris' investment expertise and exits span payments, capital markets and wealth management segments, and track record includes leading dozens of new investments and over 60 rounds of financing.