CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

CRM users often express fear of losing leads, which reflects a desire for respect and belonging in their roles across departments like engineering and sales.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

Existing CRM systems often suffer from incomplete data, with implementations only capturing about 40-50% of the necessary information, which hinders effective user workflows.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

The traditional CRM systems require users to manage multiple tabs and workflows, making it easy to lose track of important information and relationships.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

Sales reps often feel a combative relationship with buyers, which can hinder trust and the overall sales process; improving this dynamic is essential for delivering value.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

The legacy CRM data model is limited by user input, leading to a compressed and incomplete view of customer relationships, whereas AI can provide a more comprehensive understanding.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

An AI native CRM should allow users to ask questions and receive detailed, context-rich answers, transforming how they interact with customer data and relationships.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

AI native CRM systems can eliminate the cumbersome data entry process, allowing users to focus on building relationships rather than managing data.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

The goal of an AI native CRM is to enhance the user experience by providing tools that allow for strategic decision-making without the burden of manual data entry.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

I'm scared about leads falling through the cracks, which makes us look bad. We want to add value and feel respected at work.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

In this new world, we can operate at a level of belonging and respect, allowing us to creatively influence conversations without worrying about taking notes.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

The level of effort in preparing for meetings goes to zero, while the level of presence and self-esteem increases significantly.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

AI is enabling people to feel and behave more human, providing them with superpowers in their work.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

I started Day.ai shortly after the ChatGPT moment because it felt like the right time to capture the imagination and build something impactful.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

The fundamental work we're doing involves taking natural language and transforming it into structured output, which became possible in mid-2024.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

Our meeting recording system serves as an entry point into user workflows, allowing us to strategically engage with users.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

We needed to capture raw data and transform it to feed into the CRM, which is crucial for user workflow integration.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

The idea is to be present where users are and automatically populate the CRM with context and information they need.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

We envision a 'Spotify for sales' where users can easily access their preferred tools and data without cumbersome data entry.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

The next generation of workers will find traditional data entry systems cumbersome and will expect seamless integration with their workflows.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

We need to manage transparency and control while using AI, ensuring users can trust the AI's actions on their behalf.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

The UX patterns must balance control and transparency with automation, allowing users to understand and override AI decisions when necessary.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

Our team is small but high caliber, allowing us to achieve a lot more in the AI landscape compared to larger teams.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

We may end up in an office together in Boston, but the experience we've had working remotely will change our flow significantly.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

Our company culture thrives on high-caliber individuals who possess emotional intelligence and a genuine passion for their work. This environment fosters direct exposure to customers, which is essential for our team's success.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

We prioritize transparency and collaboration, ensuring that everyone is aware of the product's direction and customer feedback. This unwritten contract allows us to hold numerous customer conversations in our minds, enhancing our ability to make impactful decisions.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

The feedback cycle is incredibly fast, allowing us to address bug fixes and release features on the same day. This responsiveness is crucial for maintaining customer trust and satisfaction.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

In the early stages of software development, it's vital to reciprocate the time and energy our customers invest in us. By showing them that their feedback is valued, we create a sense of community and shared purpose.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

We maintain a smaller team to ensure that we can effectively engage with our customers and respond to their needs. This approach allows us to build a product that truly resonates with our users.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

The philosophy of 'slow is smooth, and smooth is fast' guides our product development. We believe in taking the time to build a solid foundation, especially when the software's scope and stakes are high.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

Our product development strategy focuses on meeting a high standard of quality before releasing features. This deliberate approach helps us avoid the pitfalls of chasing vanity metrics and ensures that our customers are treated as design partners.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

As a product designer, writing has become an essential skill. The ability to craft clear and effective content is now a significant part of the product design process, alongside traditional design skills.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

The Augusta stove exemplifies an extraordinary product. Its simplicity and functionality create a sense of warmth and community in the home, demonstrating that sometimes less is more in design.

CO

Christopher O'Donnell

04/01/25

@ Sequoia Capital

Steve Jobs, Paul English, and Rick Rubin are among the founders I admire most. Their unique approaches to leadership and product development have left a lasting impact on the industry.

Why CRM Needs an AI Revolution, with Day.ai Founder Christopher O’Donnell

Takeaways