Upstart CEO on How to Beat Personal AI Agents: Build the Best Product

AI agents are changing how your customers find financing. Upstart CEO Paul Gu warns that the era of 'brand loyalty' through friction is ending. In the near future, personal AI assistants will scan the entire market for the lowest rates and best terms on behalf of the consumer. This means 'walled gardens'—where you hope a customer just picks your preferred lender because it is the only one integrated—will likely fail. For retailers and operators, this shifts the focus from marketing to pure product competitiveness. If your financing offers aren't the best in the market, an AI agent will simply steer your customer elsewhere. To stay relevant, you need to ensure your financing platform is fast, transparent, and digitally accessible to these automated shoppers. The goal is to provide a product so seamless that an AI agent has no choice but to recommend it. Don't rely on a customer’s lack of information; rely on the strength of your offer.

Source: deBanked

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