CEOs know AI will shrink their teams — they're just too afraid to say it, say 2 software investors

CEOs Are Quietly Bracing for AI-Era Job Cuts, Say 2 Software Investors - Business Insider

Two tech investors say behind closed doors, CEOs are discussing what they won't admit publicly: AI means smaller teams.

businessinsider.com

TL;DR: Two veteran software investors spilled on the “Twenty Minute VC” podcast that, behind closed doors, CEOs are frank about AI’s real impact—it’ll shrink teams. Publicly, though, they stick to the safe script (“AI = productivity boost, we’re hiring!”) to avoid freak-outs.

We’ve already seen big names like Klarna and Duolingo hype bold AI-driven growth…then quietly backpedal when the backlash hits. So while execs talk up opportunity in boardrooms, they’re privately bracing for leaner headcounts.