← Back to archive

a16z Enterprise on the AI-native apps startups are buying

8 October 2025 · 34 views · 0 likes · 0 reposts · 204 blog views

AI Startups automation product research

a16z Enterprise reviewed how AI-native apps are reshaping the way we work, and I couldn’t help but share some highlights. It’s based on real spend data from 200,000+ Mercury customers.

They split the top 50 AI-native apps into horizontal (used across the whole company) and vertical (built for specific roles). 60% were horizontal: OpenAI, Anthropic, Notion, meeting notetakers (Otter, Fyxer).

Tools like Freepik (#4), ElevenLabs (#5), Canva, Photoroom, Midjourney, Descript, CapCut - once just for designers or marketers, being used by everyone in a company.

The standout here is Replit (#3) making ~15x more revenue than Lovable. It can run autonomously and comes with built-in databases, authentication, and other enterprise-grade features.

A handful of tools are starting to replace entire workflows - like Crosby Legal (AI law firm), 11x (automated GTM employees), and Serval (AI IT helpdesk). Most vertical tools still augment humans, but we’re clearly heading toward AI that does the job itself.

It reveals what startups are actually buying instead of what’s just hyped. It’s a good reminder that AI isn’t just changing tools, it’s changing skills.

a16z Enterprise on the AI-native apps startups are buying

Originally posted on X

PS: I'm pretty active on 𝕏 if you'd like to follow along

Related posts

Archive

2026

2025

2024

2018