Box CEO Aaron Levie on how AI is changing the enterprise SaaS landscape

Aaron Levie, co-founder and CEO of Box, recently shared his insights on the evolving relationship between AI and enterprise SaaS at the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 conference. Rather than envisioning AI agents as replacements for SaaS companies, Levie predicts a synergistic future where both coexist harmoniously. Levie articulated that businesses need to maintain a solid framework for their processes, emphasizing the importance of deterministic systems. He warned against the risks associated with AI agents, citing instances where data breaches or unexpected database manipulations have occurred due to agent actions. As he described it, a clear separation between reliable software and unpredictable AI agents is essential. In Levie's vision, enterprise software will serve as the backbone for core business functions, while AI agents will enhance decision-making and streamline workflows. This integration is set to redefine the enterprise SaaS business model significantly. "I firmly believe we will have a hundred to a thousand times more AI agents than human users," he stated, suggesting that the traditional 'per-seat' pricing model will become obsolete. Instead, companies will need to pivot towards consumption-based models that account for the vast number of AI agents engaging with software systems. This shift opens up a wealth of opportunities for startups that are agile enough to adapt to an agent-first paradigm, unlike larger firms that may struggle to revise existing processes. Levie encouraged entrepreneurs to seize this moment, highlighting that we are witnessing a transformative phase in technology that hasn't been seen in the last fifteen years. "This is a unique opportunity for new companies to emerge and thrive," he said, urging innovators to capitalize on the impending changes in the enterprise landscape.