AI Recruitment vs. Human Talent: Shaping the Future of Startup Operations at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Imagine if your first 10 hires were entirely AI-driven! At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, occurring from October 27–29 at the Moscone West in San Francisco, we will delve into the rising trend of startups replacing or augmenting their initial workforce with AI agents. From outbound sales to billing and customer service — automating from day one.

This discussion, taking place on the Builders Stage, features a diverse lineup of technical founders and seasoned operators who are actively navigating this evolution, addressing the nuances of blending human with machine efforts — and the risks involved.

Meet the speakers

Caleb Peffer, founder and CEO of Firecrawl, is empowering more than 350,000 developers — including companies like Shopify and Zapier — to effortlessly embed AI into the live web. His developer-focused platform is revolutionizing the way AI agents communicate with the internet and streamline through clean data.

Jaspar Carmichael-Jack, founder and CEO of Artisan, gained attention with his “Stop Hiring Humans” initiative — and he means business. His company has raised $35 million to create AI employees, starting with a focus on sales. Expect thought-provoking insights on replacing traditional go-to-market teams with technology.

Sarah Franklin, CEO of Lattice and former president and CMO of Salesforce, brings a wealth of experience in scaling impactful organizations. She has built and managed real teams at the highest level, giving her insight into where AI can excel — and where its limitations lie.

Why this session matters

Whether you’re integrating AI into your operations or simply testing prompts with your product team, this conversation goes beyond empty hype. It’s about transparent discussions on ROI, trust, team dynamics, and the reality of building a business that thrives with fewer human contributions.

Ready to find your edge?

This session is just one among many at five industry stages, complemented by breakouts and roundtable discussions. Ensure you secure your pass to Disrupt 2025 before ticket prices increase in mid-September. Get your ticket now.