Self-improving companies: why founders should build AI-native banks and insurers from scratch
andrewchen · x · 2026-10-23
a16z's GEVS94 argues for 'self-improving companies': customers don't care which team handles sales, financing or support—they want a great experience from someone who knows them. Having one agent own the relationship raises lifetime value, and letting agents learn, test and share improvements compounds as the company operates.
Selling this to incumbents means asking people to change their systems and jobs. Founders starting today can build around the customer from day one—at AI's pace, building the AI-native bank, insurer or marketplace yourself may beat retrofitting incumbents. The author is actively looking to back founders on this thesis.
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