Is the SaaS apocalypse over for Atlassian and other SaaS companies? The AI-driven tech stock sell-off that began in 2023 has left many investors wary, but Ben Thompson, co-founder and CEO of Employment Hero, believes the 'SaaSpocalypse' may be over. Thompson, who took a break from work in January 2026 to explore the latest AI advancements, was intrigued by the capabilities of vibe-coding tools like Claude. He sees potential for these tools to revolutionize software development, despite the initial concerns about AI's impact on the industry. Thompson's interest in AI is not surprising, given his background in building smart software. However, the article also raises a controversial point: While AI tools like Claude show promise, the market is still uncertain about their long-term viability. Paul Smith, the editor of technology coverage, highlights the need for further development and integration of AI into existing software ecosystems. The article invites readers to share their thoughts on the future of SaaS and AI, encouraging discussion on the potential benefits and challenges of this rapidly evolving technology.
