Exploring Key Questions for AI Partnerships in Startups

WHO:

Fast Company - Fran Bell is the EVP and chief technology officer at The Home Depot.

Fast Company - Eugene Nikolavsky is the chief information officer of North America at Stellantis.

Fast Company - Spencer Rascoff is the CEO of Match Group.

Fast Company - Nilam Ganenthiran is the founder and CEO of Beacon.

Fast Company - Leonard Tang is the cofounder and CEO of Haize Labs.

Fast Company - Researchers with MIT’s Project NANDA reported on AI investment returns.

Fast Company - Are Traasdahl is the founder and CEO of Crisp.

TechCrunch - Gusto, Insight Partners, and Leland are involved in discussions about AI agents in startups.

WHAT:

TechCrunch - The session at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will explore how early-stage companies are building teams where humans and AI agents work alongside each other, emphasizing the importance of maintaining speed, accountability, and culture.

Fast Company - Beacon's acquisition of Haize Labs aims to help build company-specific AI agents and sophisticated “world models” that can assist with strategy while ensuring predictable and useful technology behavior.

Fast Company - Beacon's founder, Nilam Ganenthiran, stated, “We think that it is existential that they get AI at the same rate that the rest of the economy does, but today they’re not.”

Fast Company - The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a national contracting opportunity to expand AI skills training within Registered Apprenticeship programs, supporting updated curricula and AI-related occupations.

Fast Company - The National Association of Workforce Boards and Microsoft Elevate announced a partnership offering free, LinkedIn Learning-based AI courses for job seekers, career coaches, and workforce agency administrators in March 2026.

Fast Company - The Home Depot has developed a generative AI shopping assistant called Magic Apron to enhance customer experience.

Fast Company - Stellantis is implementing a unique customer experience that allows users to start their car buying journey at the dealership or online and finish it at either location.

Fast Company - A new evaluation and assessment process for AI investments has emerged, incorporating quantitative KPIs based on an enterprise view of how AI should support the broader organization.

Fast Company - AI tools for retail are designed to deliver accurate, connected industry data to overcome supply chain challenges, promoting agility in adjusting orders, assortments, promotions, and display placements.

Fast Company - A goal of 100% accuracy is becoming a new standard for AI solutions, with AI-generated data and analysis needing to align precisely with buyer KPIs.

Fast Company - One large CPG brand avoided a costly error by detecting an early risk in its distribution network that would have impacted 6,200 cases for five SKUs through the use of industry-specific AI tools.

Fast Company - The National Association of Workforce Boards is translating federal guidance into practical resources for local workforce systems.

Fast Company - The U.S. Department of Labor has made workforce adaptability and AI literacy central to its approach to the future of work.

Fast Company - AI could strengthen coordination across workforce development, unemployment insurance, education, human services, and economic development programs.

Fast Company - AI can provide immediate value when it is thoughtfully integrated into a secure, well-governed workforce platform.

Fast Company - The future of AI-enabled workforce services should be measured by how effectively technology helps people find opportunities, employers access talent, and workforce professionals deliver timely and meaningful support.

TechCrunch - The session at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will explore how early-stage companies are building teams where humans and AI agents work alongside each other.

Fast Company - The U.S. Department of Labor is encouraging state and local agencies to use Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding to help workers of all ages build foundational AI skills.

Fast Company - Beacon has acquired more than 40 software businesses over roughly the last two years, focusing on market segments from campgrounds to labor unions to youth sports organizations.

Fast Company - Beacon's portfolio companies collectively bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue.

Fast Company - Beacon announced the acquisition of Haize Labs on September 17, which will help augment its internal AI platform.

Fast Company - Haize Labs cofounder and CEO Leonard Tang has joined Beacon as VP of AI research.

Fast Company - Beacon's founder, Nilam Ganenthiran, stated, “We think that it is existential that they get AI at the same rate that the rest of the economy does, but today they’re not.”

Fast Company - Beacon announced a $225 million Series C funding round in June.

Fast Company - Haize Labs previously worked with major AI labs including OpenAI and Anthropic, and it also offered a program called FreeAINYC, embedding with New York businesses to help them develop custom AI solutions for their particular problems.

Fast Company - Rascoff is focused on building the company’s next chapter and rethinking what the future of connection looks like in the age of AI.

TechCrunch - The session at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will explore how early-stage companies are integrating AI agents into their teams.

Fast Company - A new evaluation and assessment process for AI investments has emerged, incorporating quantitative KPIs based on an enterprise view of how AI should support the broader organization.

Fast Company - Haize Labs previously worked with major AI labs including OpenAI and Anthropic, and offered a program called FreeAINYC to help New York businesses develop custom AI solutions.

Fast Company - A goal of 100% accuracy is becoming a new standard for AI solutions, with AI-generated data and analysis needing to align precisely with buyer KPIs.

Fast Company - A new buying approach for AI has emerged, requiring greater C-suite involvement in decision-making.

Fast Company - AI tools developed over the last few years have not been vertically aligned, leading to a need for industry-specific solutions.

Fast Company - Buyers should start technology discussions by clearly outlining business goals and existing data to set expectations for AI deliverables, emphasizing a “build as you buy” approach during sales engagements.

Fast Company - Companies are encouraged to ask suppliers to demonstrate industry alignment through integrations with vertical platforms and customizable reporting on industry-specific KPIs.

Fast Company - Cross-functional AI agents can analyze data across departments and recommend solutions, overcoming organizational silos.

Fast Company - Haize Labs previously worked with major AI labs including OpenAI and Anthropic, and offered a program called FreeAINYC to help New York businesses develop custom AI solutions.

Fast Company - Beacon's founder, Nilam Ganenthiran, stated, “We think that it is existential that they get AI at the same rate that the rest of the economy does, but today they’re not.”

Fast Company - Beacon has acquired more than 40 software businesses over roughly the last two years.

Fast Company - Beacon announced an acquisition of Haize Labs to augment its internal AI platform.

Fast Company - Beacon's portfolio companies collectively bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue.

Fast Company - Only 5% of companies report seeing a return on AI investments that collectively total $30–$40 billion in enterprise spending on GenAI, indicating that many companies have yet to achieve strategic advantages across their organizations.

Fast Company - A goal of 100% accuracy is becoming a new standard for AI solutions, with AI-generated data and analysis needing to align precisely with buyer KPIs.

Fast Company - Only 5% of companies report seeing a return on AI investments totaling $30–$40 billion in enterprise spending on GenAI.

Fast Company - A new buying approach for AI has emerged, requiring greater C-suite involvement in decision-making.

Fast Company - AI tools developed over the last few years have not been vertically aligned, leading to a need for industry-specific solutions.

Fast Company - A goal of 100% accuracy is becoming a new standard for AI solutions.

TechCrunch - The session at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will explore how early-stage companies are integrating AI agents into their teams.

WHERE:

TechCrunch - The discussions will take place at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026.

WHEN:

TechCrunch - Registration for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is open until September 25 to save up to $200.

TechCrunch - TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will take place in the future.

Fast Company - Beacon announced the acquisition of Haize Labs on September 17.

TechCrunch - Registration for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is open until September 25 to save up to $200.

WHY:

Fast Company - The Home Depot aims to use AI to augment human ingenuity and improve the expertise of store associates.

Fast Company - The goal of Beacon's strategy is to serve Main Street-style businesses and other organizations that are often neglected by the enterprise-focused AI industry.

Fast Company - The strategies that fueled years of growth for companies may no longer apply due to market shifts and evolving customer needs.

Fast Company - Companies are facing supply chain challenges exacerbated by tariffs, geopolitical conflicts, and climate change, prompting the need for purpose-built AI solutions.

HOW:

Fast Company - The Home Depot's AI assistant helps associates navigate stores more efficiently, providing immediate information about product availability.

Fast Company - Beacon aims to train its own AI models based on its accumulated data, with safeguards to meet long-term users' "trust constraints" and prevent unwanted AI behavior.

Fast Company - Rascoff is using leadership tactics to help a global organization move with greater speed, accountability, and entrepreneurial energy.

Fast Company - Haize Labs will ensure various safeguards meet long-term users' "trust constraints" to prevent unwanted AI behavior, such as marketing agents spamming contact lists.

Fast Company - Haize Labs will help build company-specific AI agents and sophisticated “world models” for Beacon.

Fast Company - Companies are encouraged to ask suppliers to demonstrate industry alignment through integrations with vertical platforms and customizable reporting on industry-specific KPIs.

Fast Company - Buyers should outline business goals and existing data to set expectations for AI deliverables.

Fast Company - Cross-functional AI agents can analyze data across departments and recommend solutions, overcoming organizational silos.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 13:01 UTC)

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, a session will delve into how early-stage companies are integrating AI agents into their teams, focusing on the critical balance of speed, accountability, and company culture. In a related development, Beacon has acquired Haize Labs to create tailored AI agents and advanced “world models” that enhance strategic decision-making while ensuring reliable technology performance, with founder Nilam Ganenthiran emphasizing the urgent need for companies to keep pace with AI advancements. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor is launching a national contracting opportunity aimed at expanding AI skills training within Registered Apprenticeship programs, while a partnership between the National Association of Workforce Boards and Microsoft Elevate will offer free AI courses through LinkedIn Learning starting in March 2026.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 09:57 UTC)

The Home Depot has introduced a generative AI shopping assistant called Magic Apron, designed to enhance the customer experience by helping store associates navigate more efficiently and providing immediate information about product availability. Meanwhile, Stellantis is rolling out a unique customer experience that allows users to begin their car buying journey either online or at the dealership and complete it at either location. In other news, registration for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is now open until September 25, offering attendees the chance to save up to $200.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 07:57 UTC)

A new evaluation process for AI investments is emerging, focusing on quantitative KPIs that align with how AI should support broader organizational goals. In the retail sector, AI tools are being developed to provide accurate data that helps navigate supply chain challenges, allowing for more agile adjustments in orders and promotions. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Labor is prioritizing AI skills training within Registered Apprenticeship programs, aiming to enhance workforce adaptability and ensure that technology effectively connects people with job opportunities.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 07:07 UTC)

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, a session will delve into how early-stage companies are creating teams where humans and AI agents collaborate effectively. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Labor has revealed a national contracting opportunity aimed at enhancing AI skills training within Registered Apprenticeship programs, as well as encouraging agencies to utilize Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding for foundational AI skills development. Additionally, in March 2026, the National Association of Workforce Boards and Microsoft Elevate will launch a partnership to provide free AI courses through LinkedIn Learning for job seekers and workforce professionals.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 05:57 UTC)

Beacon has made headlines by acquiring over 40 software businesses in the last two years, targeting diverse markets from campgrounds to labor unions and youth sports organizations, with these companies generating hundreds of millions in annual revenue. Recently, Beacon announced the acquisition of Haize Labs, which will enhance its internal AI platform, and Haize Labs cofounder Leonard Tang has joined Beacon as VP of AI research. In a related development, the U.S. Department of Labor has unveiled a national contracting opportunity aimed at expanding AI skills training within Registered Apprenticeship programs, while a partnership between the National Association of Workforce Boards and Microsoft Elevate will offer free AI courses starting in March 2026.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 22:57 UTC)

Beacon has acquired Haize Labs with the goal of developing company-specific AI agents and advanced “world models” to enhance strategic decision-making and ensure reliable technology performance. In a related effort, the U.S. Department of Labor is launching a national contracting opportunity to boost AI skills training in Registered Apprenticeship programs, while the National Association of Workforce Boards and Microsoft Elevate have teamed up to provide free AI courses through LinkedIn Learning for job seekers and workforce professionals. Meanwhile, registration for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is now open and will remain available until September 25, allowing participants to save up to $200.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 21:58 UTC)

Beacon has acquired Haize Labs to develop company-specific AI agents and advanced “world models” that will enhance strategic decision-making while ensuring reliable technology performance. This move follows Beacon's successful $225 million Series C funding round announced in June, and it aims to support smaller businesses often overlooked by the AI industry. Haize Labs, which has collaborated with major AI organizations like OpenAI and Anthropic, will help Beacon create tailored AI solutions while the U.S. Department of Labor is also launching a national initiative to enhance AI skills training within Registered Apprenticeship programs.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 20:58 UTC)

Spencer Rascoff, the CEO of Match Group, is focused on shaping the company's future and reimagining connections in the age of AI. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, there will be a session dedicated to how early-stage companies are incorporating AI agents into their teams, highlighting the evolving landscape of business. Rascoff is employing innovative leadership tactics to ensure that his global organization adapts quickly and effectively to changing market dynamics and customer needs.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 19:59 UTC)

A new evaluation process for AI investments has been introduced, focusing on quantitative KPIs that align with how AI should enhance overall organizational performance. In retail, AI tools are being developed to provide accurate industry data, helping businesses navigate supply chain challenges and improve their order and promotion strategies. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor is launching a national contracting opportunity to enhance AI skills training in Registered Apprenticeship programs, while the National Association of Workforce Boards and Microsoft Elevate are partnering to offer free AI courses through LinkedIn Learning for job seekers and workforce professionals.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 16:58 UTC)

Beacon has acquired Haize Labs to develop company-specific AI agents and advanced "world models" that can enhance strategic decision-making while ensuring reliable technology behavior. Haize Labs, known for its collaborations with major AI firms like OpenAI and Anthropic, previously offered a program to help New York businesses create tailored AI solutions. As the demand for 100% accuracy in AI solutions grows, companies are urged to engage C-suite executives in the decision-making process and clearly define their business goals to ensure that AI tools align with their specific industry needs.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 15:58 UTC)

Beacon has acquired Haize Labs in a move aimed at developing company-specific AI agents and advanced "world models" to enhance strategic planning while ensuring technology behaves predictably. Haize Labs, known for its collaborations with major AI organizations like OpenAI and Anthropic, previously offered a program called FreeAINYC to assist New York businesses in creating tailored AI solutions. According to Beacon's founder, Nilam Ganenthiran, it is crucial for businesses to adopt AI at the same pace as the broader economy, as many are currently lagging behind, and Haize Labs will implement safeguards to maintain user trust and prevent undesirable AI behaviors.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 14:58 UTC)

Beacon, led by founder and CEO Nilam Ganenthiran, has announced its acquisition of Haize Labs, co-founded and led by CEO Leonard Tang, as part of its strategy to enhance its internal AI platform. Over the past two years, Beacon has acquired more than 40 software businesses, with its portfolio companies generating hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue. Haize Labs will contribute by developing company-specific AI agents and advanced “world models” for Beacon.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 13:58 UTC)

A recent report from Fast Company reveals that only 5% of companies are seeing a return on their substantial investments in AI, which total between $30 billion and $40 billion, suggesting that many organizations are still struggling to leverage these technologies effectively. As the demand for AI solutions grows, a new standard of 100% accuracy is emerging, requiring AI-generated data to align perfectly with buyer key performance indicators. In a notable example, a large consumer packaged goods brand successfully avoided a costly mistake by using industry-specific AI tools to identify an early risk in its distribution network, potentially saving 6,200 cases across five stock-keeping units.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 13:08 UTC)

Researchers with MIT’s Project NANDA have revealed that only 5% of companies are seeing returns on their AI investments, which total between $30 and $40 billion in enterprise spending on generative AI. As companies face supply chain challenges intensified by tariffs, geopolitical conflicts, and climate change, a new buying approach for AI is emerging that requires greater involvement from C-suite executives and emphasizes the need for industry-specific solutions. Discussions on integrating AI agents into early-stage companies will take place at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, with registration open until September 25, allowing attendees to save up to $200.