5 acquisitions, winning over skeptical engineers, and spending tens of millions: Inside a public company's 'AI native' push (www.businessinsider.com)

Amplitude is undergoing a significant transformation to become "AI native," as detailed by CEO Spenser Skates in a recent interview with Business Insider. Initially skeptical about AI's potential, Skates has committed tens of millions to integrate AI into the company's operations, acquiring five startups, including Command AI and Kraftful, to bolster its capabilities. The company is not only investing in tools but also enhancing employee skills, evidenced by a dedicated "AI week" that aimed to increase engagement and usage of AI tools among its engineering and product teams. The shift comes in response to a widespread industry trend, with many companies transitioning from minimal AI integration to adopting advanced technologies to improve efficiency. The significance of Amplitude's pivot lies in its approach to overcoming internal skepticism, particularly among engineers wary of AI's claims. By fostering a culture of hands-on experimentation and leveraging the enthusiasm of passionate team members, Amplitude has reported impressive gains in productivity—between 40% and 400% in specific teams—demonstrating the tangible benefits of its investments. As Amplitude strives to reshape analytics through its AI initiatives, its journey could serve as a roadmap for other organizations grappling with similar challenges in the AI landscape.