AI-First Scaling: Product & Operations in a Brave New Tech World

AI-First Scaling: Product & Operations in a Brave New Tech World

From Go Slow to Grow Fast by Mercury Fund

August 19, 2025 · 56 min · Season 1 · Episode 18

About this episode

Experts discuss the operational shifts necessary for scaling in an AI-first world.

What does it really take to scale product and operations in an AI first world? In this episode, three operators and investors at the forefront of this transformation share their insight and expertise: Adrian Fortino at Mercury Fund, Dan Watkins of Mercury Fund and Pelagos Forma, and Roberto Montezuma of Fractal River. Together, they’ll unpack the operational shifts needed to succeed in a world where AI isn't the add on— it's at the center of your strategy. This episode was recorded live at the CXO Summit. Key Insights & Timestamps: [00:00]: Podcast begins [02:42] Where’s the Market Headed? Predicting the rapidly changing AI future [19:53] What About Development? Scaling operations from an AI-curious perspective [36:01] All About Mindset: Realistic expectations from the new world of AI-first tech [46:01] Focus vs Prioritization? Roberto’s advice to leaders embracing AI [50:35] Co-Creation & Customization: Dan helps startups get in on the enterprise ground floor Key Takeaways: What’s Next: Buying vs building is a big discussion for companies and enterprises when integrating AI into their workflows, but perspectives are likely to shift towards a buy and build mindset. Companies will…

People in this episode

Guests: Adrian Fortino, Dan Watkins, Roberto Montezuma

Topics covered

  • AI-first strategy
  • scaling operations
  • market predictions
  • mindset shifts
  • co-creation
  • customization

Keywords

  • AI
  • scaling
  • operations
  • market trends
  • mindset
  • customization
  • startups

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Mercury Fund, Pelagos Forma, Fractal River

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